How a solar plane can take you to new heights

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August 25, 2015

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How a solar plane can take you to new heights

By Cyril Bouquet | August 25, 2015, Tuesday |

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Solar Impulse, soon to be the first solar-powered plane to circle the globe, has accomplished some astounding feats. But, the project is also a useful guide to understanding innovation at any organization.

Throughout history those who have achieved the impossible have used a similar formula for success. Solar Impulse co-pilots Bertrand Piccard, Andre Borschberg and their sun-fuelled ship are no exception.

To start innovating, learn to think like an A.L.I.E.N.

A for anthropology

The first rule is to observe reality as an anthropologist would, to see problems and human beings as they are and not how we would like them to be. In his book “Changing Altitude,” Bertrand Piccard tells how he finally got authorization to fly over China when he co-piloted the first ever, non-stop around-the-world balloon trip in the Breitling Orbiter. During the first two failed attempts, the team asked for permission following the usual international law protocols. Beijing refused the requests. Not giving up, Piccard went to meet face-to-face with the Chinese authorities “to try to understand the problem and to find a solution together.” And it worked.

L for lateral thinking

The second rule is to think laterally and to combine ideas from previously unrelated fields. When Piccard and Borschberg were conceiving their idea for a plane which had a wingspan comparable to that of an A340, was as light as a small car, and could fly night and day only using solar power, aviation specialists said it was impossible.

The two Solar Impulse pilots had to look outside of the existing knowledge of the aviation industry to find a way forward. As Piccard said “An innovation is not just coming up with a new idea, it is the shedding of an old certainty.”

I for imagination

You have to have imagination, to be able to picture another world, and dream about something different. For this, Bertrand Piccard was fortunate from childhood. He recalls “I was captivated hearing about my father’s adventures at the north and south poles, Mount Everest, in space and in the deep sea.”

E for experimentation

But dreams are not enough to fuel a solar plane. Ideas have to be tried and tested, sometimes for lengthy periods of time. This is the fourth rule. Acceptance of failure is necessary and so is the courage to get up and start again. For Piccard “Success comes from trying once more than the number of times you fail. But you have to try something different every time: another altitude or another method. That’s what makes the difference between doggedness and perseverance.”

N for navigation

The fifth rule is to navigate, to take others along on your journey, to motivate them by sharing your vision and values so you can build a team that will achieve your goals. Despite the doubts of aviation experts, Bertrand Piccard managed to gather together 80 partner companies to bring Solar Impulse to life. It now has a team of 100 people, made up of 30 engineers, 25 technicians and 22 mission operators.

All of these rules were consciously applied during the creation of Solar Impulse. And they have always been part of the recipe for big discoveries and innovation.

Cyril Bouquet is Professor of Strategy at IMD. His major interest is the interface between organizational psychology, strategy and leadership.

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How a solar plane can take you to new heights

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