Tenacious Tinkering
Ready — Thomas Edison wasn’t just a brilliant inventor; he was a man of persistent, disciplined experimentation. His pursuit of the incandescent light bulb exemplifies the kind of tenacity that turns dreams into reality.
Set — Before Edison embarked on his research, the incandescent lamp was impractical due to a short lifespan, high cost, and inefficient design. Prototypes didn’t last long enough to be commercially viable. While others demonstrated electric lights, it took Edison to bring them into widespread use. His research involved:
A Clear Vision: Edison envisioned a safe, affordable, and long-lasting electric light for homes and businesses. Since gas lighting was inefficient, he committed to finding a better solution.
Systematic Experimentation: Edison’s team tested thousands of materials as potential filaments. From bamboo to carbonized cotton thread, Edison explored possibilities with methodical precision.
Constant Effort: Edison reportedly said, “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” Each unsuccessful trial provided insights that guided his next steps.
Collaborative Innovation: Edison worked with a skilled team who shared his passion for problem-solving. This collaborative approach accelerated the development process.
Practical Focus: Edison understood the importance of practicality. His use of carbonized bamboo as a filament allowed bulbs to last over 1,200 hours.
Grow! — The incandescent lamp was not practical when Edison began to tinker with it. If it wasn’t for his power of persistence, curiosity, and teamwork, it might have been delayed. Innovation often requires pushing through repeated failures to reach breakthrough success.
Two Questions
Can you systemize your approach to problem-solving?
Are you involving your team in the process?