What if Thomas Alva Edison had given up after 500 attempts?

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A few days ago, I took the elevator in the building where I live on the ninth floor. I started going down, and suddenly, it stopped abruptly. The lights went out, and for a few seconds, I was trapped in that box suspended in the air an unpleasant feeling for anyone who's experienced it. Fortunately, just a few seconds later, the lights returned, and the elevator started working again. However, it didn’t take me to my destination; instead, it took me back up to the higher floors, leaving me once again on the ninth. My instinct told me to take the stairs this time. After the elevator mishap, it seemed like the safest way to go. As I descended, step by step, I became aware of my body and began to question: Why do we always choose the easy path, even for the shortest tasks? In my case, I live on one of the higher floors, so I never consider going up or down on foot, but I noticed that this behavior replicates itself and I believe many of us do this even when going up or down just one level. I dare say that this element has become essential for those of us who live in or frequent tall buildings, as we can’t imagine a building without an elevator.

On January 27, 1880, more than 100 years ago, Thomas Alva Edison patented his "Electric Lamp." Much like the elevator, it's an invention without which we wouldn't understand our existence today. Imagine having to light candles all over the house? If we lived on the outskirts of the city, we’d probably have to make them ourselves, and we know that, in today’s world, this is simply not an option. The story goes that Edison tested over 6,000 different types of filaments before finding the right one to create a proper electric light bulb.

This well-known story reinforces the importance of persistence when it comes to innovating, which is why Edison said, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” However, there is one thing I’m sure of: you don’t reach ninety-nine percent perspiration without one fundamental element: a hundred percent passion for what you do.

In our time, there may be fewer Thomas Alva Edisons. Many innovations come with corporate backing. It is precisely this element that enables companies to survive today because innovation has stopped being just a value-added element and has become a necessary component for surviving in a changing world. Innovation is a complex process that requires integrating various elements: methodologies, training, multifaceted and diverse teams, and, even more importantly, an environment and culture conducive to innovation. Inventors need passion because they will fail many times, and this is the driving force that keeps them going even in the face of adversity.

The leader needs to be able to cultivate that passion and inspire, fostering the right environment and setting in which creative work can flourish, strengthening the purpose, and building the trust that will bring out the best version of every team member to achieve successful innovations. The inspirational leader is a catalyst for innovation, the precursor to a culture that fosters persistent individuals who find new solutions to everyday problems and thus deliver outstanding results.

I have witnessed situations where significant investments are made to foster innovation, whether in training, systems, or technological tools, but unfortunately, the results fall short due to a lack of proper leadership. Only through this leadership will we reach the final destination: accumulative innovation or, even better, disruptive innovation that changes the course of companies.

It's true, as Edison said, that innovation requires more work than inspiration. But for that work to be successful, the leader must inspire through trust, purpose, and passion, creating an environment where ideas can thrive and open, respectful, and creative discussions can take place. Always ensure that you can exercise that inspirational leadership so essential in today’s world. Become the leader you always wanted to have along your journey.