Action Quote by Clayton Christensen
“We have found that companies need to speak a common language, because some of the suggested ways to harness disruptive innovation are seemingly counter-intuitive. If companies don't have that common language, it is hard for them to come to consensus on a counter-intuitive course of action.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Innovator's Dilemma, 1997
Companies must develop a shared vocabulary to discuss disruptive innovation; without it, consensus on unconventional strategies is difficult.
In simple terms: A common language helps teams agree on bold, counter‑intuitive moves.
Key Takeaway
Create and teach a unified framework for disruptive ideas.
Themes
innovation
communication
strategy
consensus
disruption
Mood
collaborative
pragmatic
Type
educational
strategic
When to use this quote
- product development
- strategic planning
- cross‑functional meetings
- innovation labs
Key Concepts
Organizational learning
shared mental models
change management
Questions to Reflect On
- What terms are essential for your team’s innovation dialogue?
- How can you simplify complex concepts?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on jargon can exclude non‑experts and stall progress.
