What do alcohol and innovation have in common? The “Proof Level”.
Those connoisseurs of the occasional, or even the frequent, alcoholic beverage would be familiar with the concept of %-proof which indicates the alcohol content by volume. For example, 100-proof whisky contains 50% alcohol. The higher the alcoholic content, the more “oomph” in the beverage.
Just like a good whisky, a culture of innovation can be determined in the corporate office by measuring its proof level, which is known by many leading behavioural psychologists as the “IPL” (aka Innovation Proof Level).
For those companies that have a dynamic and highly stimulating innovation culture, they would be nearing the 100-IPL mark where at least 50% of their employees are deemed as being creative. A business that scores a 50-IPL, only a quarter of their staff have what it takes to drive and support their culture of innovation. For those with 0-IPL, alas, we are typically talking about the public service.
So what are the pros and cons associated with a high IPL organisation?
- The employees are found to be very friendly and seem to happily interact, albeit some may occasionally step over the line with respect to the acceptable HR behavioural guidelines
- New concepts are readily accepted with minimal resistance, although some may be regretted the following day
- Corporate dress standards may become a tad shabby, particularly near 5 PM
- Some employees may seek opportunities for quiet slumber at their desk, or discretely under it, complete with a corporate logo emblazoned pillow, blanket and bright light filtering face-mask
Similarly, for those working in an antiquated establishment where a 0-IPL commonly prevails?
- An inability to pick up the phone until at least the 20th ring
- A slurring of words ensuring that the customer gives up with feeling of frustration
- A late start in the morning, complete with an early finish owing to a constant headache
- A monotone speech pattern with a large lack of enthusiasm
So for those of you thirsting for innovation, the remedy is to have a large corporate glass filled to the brim with a refreshing 100-IPL content beverage. However, make sure that you consume it slowly in order to avoid unwanted creative side effects that may linger long into the following morning.
Cheers!
Thoughts that might just be useful in the future 
Itching for Hitching
/ October 28, 2018Bottoms up!