Jenny wanted to continue to explore the contrasts between curiosity, creativity, inventiveness, and innovation using Sarah’s diary to provoke a deeper understanding. The next diary entry was from May 15, 1889, and it focused on Elizabeth, the oldest of the children.
“Before I read the next diary entry, I need to share with you some information. Elizabeth, the oldest of the children, was soon to graduate from high school at the time this diary entry was written. In the community where the Malcomb’s lived, each senior class was asked to lead a program for the community that showcased the talents of the students in the school. This year, Elizabeth had written a play which involved every student in the high school. Some were on stage, while others supported the play with scenery, backstage operations, costumes, and in other ways.”
“I learned from Hiram’s memoirs that Elizabeth had actually written a number of scripts to be performed by young people. While this one was for high school, she had written other plays for younger children. Many of these were used at the school they attended. Here is the excerpt.”
“I don’t know how Elizabeth does it. How could she have possibly written a script with such meaning? I was totally in to the story, and then at the end, the story had a twist that gave it an entirely new meaning that everyone in the audience will remember. What a wonderful message she delivered.”
“Now that you’ve heard the background on Elizabeth and Sarah’s comments, I’d like you to score Elizabeth on the curiosity criteria we discussed in class. Use the same approach we used for Ben.”
Again Jenny put the composite scores on the board.
Question 1: Do you seek out new information regularly just for fun and then share this information with others? Score 3.8
Question 2: Do you seek out new information when you are anxious about not knowing something you feel you should/must know? Score 2.7
Question 3: Do you try to understand how other people are thinking by observing them or asking them questions? Score 4.6
Question 4: Are you willing to take risks to gain new experiences? Score 4.0
Question 5: Are you comfortable with moving out of your comfort zone in order to gain new insights or knowledge? Score 4.5
“Now what do we know about Sarah and her potential to be an innovator?” Jenny asked. Some of the responses included:
“She is truly creative, but I don’t think she is an innovator.”
“She could be a great partner for an innovator as we discussed in last class. To write a script, you have to see all the connecting threads.”
“She could be an innovator advocate using story telling as her vehicle for changing minds.”
Jenny was blown away by the student’s insights. They were really getting it. “I think what you are describing is someone who is an innovation enabler. That’s an important, but often overlooked, role in the innovation process.”
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“A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you, than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you.” – Bob Proctor (Self-help author)