Even truly original thinkers can be stymied at first, but the theory that initially meets great resistance may be the one that ultimately revolutionises their industry. Photo: freepik.com.
Amanda Setili cites the example of Nobel physics laureate Max Planck to warn that even the best ideas and innovations are not assured instant acclaim — and dogged persistence in their promotion may be a virtue.
German physicist Max Planck is credited with originating quantum theory in 1900 — a breakthrough that eventually paved the way for a plethora of 20th-century innovations.
These included semi-conductors, lasers, and GPS tracking, but at the time, the scientific community was slow to embrace his intellectual leap.
It took nearly 20 years of painstakingly gathering further evidence before his peers finally accepted the quantum revolution had arrived, with his award of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918.
In 1947, shortly before his death, Planck gave a speech that addressed this experience. He said: “A new scientific truth does not triumph by convincing its opponents and making them see the light, but rather because its opponents eventually die, and a new generation grows up that is familiar with it.”
In his autobiography, he shortened this to: “Science advances one funeral at a time.”
Those of you in a large organisation may identify with these observations, since you’ve seen a leader or leadership team hold the reins for 12, 15 or more years. However, I also recognise that others may completely disagree, since the pace of change can seem extraordinary these days.
One of my core tenets is that we should always be learning and organisations should learn in a deliberate manner that accelerates innovation.
I’m sharing Planck’s quotes mainly as a reminder that even truly original thinkers can be stymied by the scientific and/or business establishment.
So, the theory you resist may be one that will revolutionise your industry. Or, your theory that initially meets great resistance may be the one that ultimately serves as your amazing legacy.
Amanda Setili helps successful leaders and their teams agree on what needs to change and how to make it happen. She is the author of Fearless Growth: The New Rules to Stay Competitive, Foster Innovation, and Dominate Your Markets. Amanda can be contacted at www.setili.com. This article first appeared on her Fearless Growth website.
