I enjoyed your summary comments on innovation. Google certainly is one of the prime examples, in my view.

I think it’s interesting that innovation is #6 on their Google Jobs “Top 10 Reasons to Work at Google” page:

http://www.google.com/support/jobs/bin/static.py?page=about.html&about=top10

It seems to me that part of the key in innovating–especially for medium to large size organizations–is tolerance for some chaos. Meaning, a loosening of rigid top-down control. Sure, structure is required, like clear policy and as process, especially around business critical tasks.

Providing 20% (that’s quite a bit) of time to work in a less structured way is brilliant. As you might be aware, many Googlers contribute to projects outside their department or group, which creates great cross-pollination in the work force.

Best Wishes,
~~ Kirk

I also cringe when I think about some of my old sites, but that’s how it was back then and you know what… we’ve learnt and moved on, so that’s a good thing.

I’m really happy you got something out of the preso, particularly given how much experience working online you already have.

cheers