Budding inventors beware: It is unusual for most inventors to have that “aha” moment in the discovery of a new product or service. Instead, the breakthrough process typically takes place over a period of time with lots of fits and starts.
I was reminded of this fact as I read the thoroughly enjoyable new book on the Wright Brothers by historian David McCullough.
The story of Wilbur and Orville Wright is an amazing testament to the complexity of innovation and the invention process. Also, their tale dispels the legend that great invention is about luck or an idea that randomly comes to someone in the middle of the night.
Even if you aren’t a history buff, I would strongly recommend you read McCullough’s biography. There are important business lessons to be learned from the unlikely journey of Dayton, Ohio, bicycle shop owners becoming pioneers in aviation and changing the course of human history in the 20th century.
For me, I took away two important lessons from their story.
First, there are no short cuts. You need the time, the persistence and the patience to let your idea percolate. Time should be seen as your ally in creating a new product.
The Wright Brothers spent four years (1899-1903) before their first successful flight, both day and night, dedicated in their pursuit to figure out human flight.
They travelled thousands of miles, back and forth, between Dayton and the Outer Banks of North Carolina, encountering lousy weather, multitudes of mosquitoes, lots of failures and even more skeptics.
Also, each test flight could have meant serious injury or even death. In 1901, Wilbur told Orville he thought “man would not fly for 50 years.” And yet, they both stuck with it and eventually persevered.
One of the most amazing parts of the Wright Brothers story is that they endured several years of disbelief from the public on what they had accomplished. They changed human history and yet the market was slow to recognize and accept their feat.
Second, most new ideas will have changes as they are tested and meet the reality of the marketplace. Changes to your idea are a natural part of the invention process.
Sometimes the changes will be significant from the original design. You need to be open to starting over and throwing out the original design and be patient with the slow pace of improvement.
The Wright Brothers weren’t wedded to their original concepts but rather went through hundreds and hundreds of changes to reach their goal.
In a recent interview on Biography.com, David McCullough summed up the inspiration of the Wright Brothers for inventors:
“Keep at it! Have true grit, courage, and character. Know how to explain things clearly and make your case convincingly — whether on paper or on your feet. And be a gentleman or lady, be polite, have courtesy and good manners. Both Wilbur and Orville Wright were superb in that respect. They never once said anything derogatory or unpleasant about their rivals. And, of course, work hard. Oh my, could the Wright brothers work.”
Pat Sisneros is the vice president of College Services at Everett Community College.
Please send your comments to psisneros@everettcc.edu
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