Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned
During a recent discussion at a technology event hosted by Kevin Rose, Ev Williams, co-founder of Blogger and Twitter, delved into the unpredictable nature of innovation. He highlighted insights from the book Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned by Ken Stanley and others, emphasizing that while we are often educated to set specific goals and stick to plans, this approach is limited when it comes to creating groundbreaking technology.
In 'Co-Founder of Blogger, Twitter, Medium, and Mozi — The Art of Pivoting, Strategic Quitting, and More,' Ev Williams shares compelling insights on innovation and adaptability in the tech landscape.
The Power of Pivoting and Strategic Quitting
Williams’ career exemplifies the value of adaptability. He reflected on his early venture, Odeo, which struggled amidst the emergence of iTunes and podcasting. Instead of stubbornly pursuing a failing path, he made the courageous choice to pivot—ultimately leading to the birth of Twitter. This experience underscores the importance of recognizing when to stop investing effort in an unpromising direction. Williams noted that sunk cost fallacy often complicates decision-making, urging innovators to embrace the concept of strategic quitting, a theme supported in literature such as Andy Duke’s book Quit.
Building Meaningful Connections in a Digital Age
Today, Williams is channeling his learnings into a new app called Mosy, designed for enhancing real-life connections among friends. Reflecting on how the term social has evolved, he expressed a desire for the platform to focus on deepening human relationships rather than merely being a digital interaction space. By knowing where friends are and planning meet-ups, Mosy strives to bring back the essence of personal connections that technology often obscures.
The Future of Technology and Human Relations
As Williams navigates his path forward, he invites us to consider the ‘what-ifs’ that come with innovation. He underscores the idea that while technology can facilitate connections, it’s essential to remember the importance of genuine interpersonal relationships. This aligns with the larger conversation about technology's role in our lives, reminding us that our drive for progress should enhance—not replace—the bonds we share.
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