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 counterintuitive. If companies don't have that common language, it is hard for them to come to consensus on a counterintuitive course of action.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Innovator's Solution, Clayton M. Christensen, 2003
Successful adoption of disruptive innovation requires a shared vocabulary to align understanding and enable consensus on unconventional strategies.
In simple terms: A common language helps teams agree on surprising actions.
Key Takeaway
Develop shared terminology before pursuing radical change.
Themes
innovation
communication
leadership
Mood
strategic
collaborative
Type
advisory
strategic
When to use this quote
- strategic planning
- product development
- organizational change
- cross‑functional meetings
Key Concepts
disruptive innovation
shared vocabulary
consensus building
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you create a shared language for innovation?
- What barriers prevent consensus on counterintuitive ideas?
A Different Perspective
Without a common language, teams may misinterpret ideas and stall progress.
