Necessity is the mother of invention- A 360 reflection #52 #cong18

Translating ideas into meaningful contributions is a challenge worth taking. Ideas are about people and meeting their unmet needs. It is about the feelings or experiences that are created. It’s the human connection and the positive outcomes that a really good product or service can bring.

1. Self belief is fundamental: You do not need permission
2. To thyself be true: Self nurture the mind and body
3. Think outside the box and break free from constraints
4. Be prepared to get back into the box to facilitate the process

Gillian Berry 24 Years clinical experience in the acute medical, coronary care and infection prevention and control.  Recent roles have been in Education, Practice Development Facilitation and Project Management.  Strong background in Quality, Patient Safety and Healthcare innovation.

You can follow Gillian on Twitter, connect with her on LinkedIn or send her an email.

By Gillian Berry

Ideas flow easily, however it’s the ability to translate them into meaningful contributions that is a challenge for many. Personally, I cannot sit in a doctor’s surgery without having a total recall of how it could be improved. Thus ensuring work flow and meeting quality and patient safety. It’s in my nature and my skill set gained through continuous education.

My life is surrounded by my Ideas that I have brought to reality. They are not to be found elsewhere. Where there was voids in my house lays bespoke contributions. When a friends business was in difficulty, I put my thinking cap and gave risk adverse solutions. I have placed my stamp in many healthcare facilities through innovative solutions, technical assessments or a new process here and there. I have used my creative edge in conference organisation and I became the go to for poster presentations.

I have had many ideas submitted and validated through Ireland’s Health Innovation Hub. So what was stopping me? Was it the safety net of my job? Or did I not have self belief?

I have been a carer since my teenage years. My last 23 years, my total adult life I have dedicated to the Irish health service. Putting others first can often lead to reduced self care and compassion. The catalyst for me to take perspective was the untimely death of my mother. In one blink of an eye she was removed from the world as I knew it. As a mother myself, I knew it was time to put my priorities straight and make time for self care, self reflection and growth.

Now I have removed myself from the constraints I was accustomed to in my work. My mind free, ideas bouncing, I am able to refine and deliver. Exercise, Yoga and meditation are my new joys. “Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.” Jung

My ideas define the unmet need and understand the real pain people have. You see, Ideas are about people, there about the feelings or experience they will bring. It is about empowering the user through human factor co-design. It’s about the overall impact it will have on society. It’s the human connection that is created. The prize is the positive outcomes that a really good product or service can bring.

“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct from inner necessity. The creative mind plays with the object it loves.” Jung.

Using a combination of validated evidence and I throw in a flare of new for the disruptive. The question often asked: Why hasn’t this been done already?

The next stage includes pitching to get traction, whether it is for an accelerator or investment. Pitch perfect, doesn’t always mean success. You learn from each activity redefine and refine. The process is an art, the strokes not so natural. It’s vital to stay positive “Positivity is the greens of your crop, negativity is the weeds in your garden,” Machado

Surprising as it may seem, in order to make the idea a reality be prepared to get back in the box. Make sure that box is big enough for you to breath and stretch. I have learned there is a process you have to take; it’s all about risk adversity.

There are two kinds of people: Those who say, “I will believe it when I see it.” And those who say, “To see it, I know I must believe it.” Which kind are you? What if we had the freedom to take that calculated risk and stop ourselves from waiting for permission … I believe great things will happen.