The Challenge of Being a True Innovator
Innovation. Creativity. Novelty. In our consumer-driven society we are always looking for the best way to hook our customers, to carve out a unique niche for ourselves. In this environment the word “innovation” can become trite; a catch-all term used for its selling power rather than an expression of what it really means: The act of inventing something or introducing something new.
True innovation, we have learned from the 2011 PEJE Challenge Award, results from a process—the process of thinking about what is and considering what can be; of reflecting and honestly evaluating what is working, what needs changing, where the challenges lie, and what factors inform the current situation. In fact, at its core, innovation is a form of risk-taking. When we chose to innovate, when we choose to make a change in the “way we’ve always done things,” we open ourselves up to possible failure and disappointment. But we also create the opportunity for tremendous growth and unparalleled success.
Many of the schools that applied for the Challenge Award engaged in this kind of multi-layered introspection. They shared, from their unique perspectives, a view of what their financial reality could be. They questioned how they had done things previously, they challenged the status quo, they reflected deeply. And through the process of engaging in this difficult and intimidating activity, they emerged with innovations that were truly worthy of the term. Whether it was re-thinking an annual campaign, creating a system to engage alumni, bringing a fresh approach to student recruitment, or creating a targeted endowment fund, winning schools demonstrated a willingness to overturn accepted practices, use data to inform their decision making, and invent something new. To all the schools that applied for the award we say “Kol Hakavod”—kudos to you for taking a leap into unchartered territory. You inspire us.
At this time of great possibility for the Jewish day school field we need to absorb the lesson demonstrated by the 141 schools who applied for the award: Reflect, take a risk, let data guide you. And remember, we all can be innovators and change agents. All it takes is courage and commitment.
Amy Katz
Executive Director