When I was a kid, I loved to figure out how things worked. I did not so much take them apart, although I did sometimes, as try them out on every possible use. I took a small motor my grandfather used for garden tools and hooked it up to an electric clock to see what happened. No, it did not destroy the clock, but it did not function well thereafter. My grandfather asked me “what was I thinking?” My response, I wanted to make the clock work better. (I thought that sounded like a good excuse in my twelve year old mind) His response, “don’t try to improve or fix something until you understand how it works first.” This is a lesson all business should learn.

I often think of that scolding when I watch businesses set out on a course of innovation. It always happens when there is an economic downturn. It is natural, likely, since there is a craving for a way to get out of the mess. Studies are showing up in the press that indicates that is innovation is “in” again. The Washington Post published, today, (Sept 6, 2010) a piece entitled, Business leaders provide studies in innovation. Steven Overly is the reporter. The essence of the piece is to examine, “what is innovation and how do you make it happen?” One business leader defined it as where “invention meets mission. And, to do so faster than the competition.” For him, it was about speed in creating new value. For others it simply means “pushing the envelope” and going to an uncomfortable new space. But everyone agreed it is doing what you have not been doing, to get to a place you have not been before.

Sustainability, on the other hand, seems to be filled with two kinds of news. The first is technology news—new cars, energy solutions and IT savings. The second is best practices for accomplishing things by changing behavior of humans. Some by tax reform, some by supply chain changes and some by education. What is not in the news, but needs to be, is how you imbed responsible innovation into the fabric of the business. And what is missing from the definitions is that innovation is not only different work, but also a different way of working and thinking about work.

I think the ground of innovation is “understanding how things, humans, ecosystems, and particular buyers” work. How do they go about their own life and living? Often we intervene before we understand.

As a part of leading a policy innovation effort with the Province of British Columbia, I had the privilege of sitting with tribal elders of the Coast Salish Nation, from the Cowachin tribe, last week. I will provide a Q&A from that engagement, with Dr. Luschiim Arvid Charlie on Friday, who reminded me a lot of my grandfather although he is within five days of my age, but beyond my wisdom. He particular felt that the way businesses and environmentalist are working on sustainability is prior to understanding the working of a particular ecosystem. And as a result, we do not make it better and more often diminish it. He felt, and I agree, that a systems understanding is a precursor to being able to innovate, improve or even intervene in a systems.

Tomorrow I will post a book review that gives some examples of how Native Peoples have engaged as an integral aspect of the systems that provide lessons for business strategy where there is a strong commitment to healthy ecosystems. The book is Tending the Wild: Native American Knowledge and the Management of California’s Natural Resources, by Kat Anderson. Don’t be fooled into thinking this has nothing to do with sustainability and business success. As I have learned from my grandfather’s admonishment, it applies everywhere.