Tom Gray works with us on using technology strategically. We are often approached by individuals and companies that have a “new idea.” More often than not, they are using new technology in old ways. These new ideas turn out, at best, to be incremental improvements.

“If I was in high school or college right now, I’d be starting as many new internet companies as I could in search of the next Facebook,” commented Tom.

I agreed. The cost of entry is low, and younger entrepreneurs are more likely to use new technology in new ways. Because they have less experience, they also tend to have fewer boundaries and expectations about what can and can’t be done.

Of course you don’t have to be a young entrepreneur to think that way. I believe some of the best leadership is about attempting what hasn’t been done before. Managers can handle the incremental improvements; leaders are those who can take people to new places that they hadn’t even thought about going.