I want to share some ideas that I was exploring while preparing a dinner presentation for the American Society for Quality (ASQ).  -RB

The sought-after prize of a corporate quest is a breakthrough.

Breakthroughs are the foundation of business vitality. Leaps in performance begin with breakthroughs. Breakthroughs evolve into new business models and fundamentally redefine the competitive landscape. Breakthroughs drive renewal; companies live or die by them. Yet we rarely think of breakthrough as a process onto itself.

In fact, I think it’s surprising — given the immense importance of breakthrough — that so little has been established about the process and nature of breakthrough itself.  I know that leaders are fascinated by the idea of breakthrough, but tend to think of it as a descriptor (e.g. breakthrough change, breakthrough innovation) rather than a distinct outcome and process.  The idea of breakthrough, when used as an adjective, lacks delineated principles and processes.  It’s an idea without content.  No wonder breakthroughs often appear to be as much the result of happenstance as inspired intent.

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