The 'Intrinsic Motivation' of the 'Hentai' (Eccentric) is the Source of Innovation

I hold the belief that 'eccentrics are the drivers of innovation,' and I define an 'eccentric' as follows.

The energy at the source of this 'eccentric's' behavior can be called 'intrinsic motivation.' This is because intrinsic motivation is not motivation from external factors such as results or achievements (extrinsic factors like rewards, status, or threats), but energy that wells up from within, such as pure interest, righteous indignation, personal values, or a sense of responsibility.

The ability to handle this energy is also one of the elements that make up Emotional Intelligence (EQ), the ability to recognize one's own and others' emotions and harmonize them with thoughts and actions to be useful in work and life. EQ, also known as the emotional intelligence quotient, is more deeply related than IQ to whether one can achieve richness in life and work, and it is said that one becomes able to deal well with change and stress. A deep connection is suggested.

As I have gained much experience as a practitioner or supporter of new business development and innovation, I have focused on the fact that the exercise of this EQ is significantly related to success, and I am proceeding with research and practice. (Reference article: Innovation and Emotional Intelligence (EQ))

In previous articles, I have also considered the relationship with innovation for the other constituent elements besides the one taken up this time: 'Emotional Literacy' and 'Recognition of Self-Patterns' ''Thinking Focused on Results''Navigating Emotions' regarding each of their relationships with innovation.

This time, based on these perspectives, I would like to explain the importance of the 'intrinsic motivation' that eccentrics possess in innovation.

1. Innovation Talent as an Eccentric

The 'eccentric' I define is a talent with the following characteristics.

• Driven by something more than just results and achievements
  'Sensibility and execution ability to act based on inner interests, sense of mission, and great causes without depending on returns or external evaluations'

• Taking things as one's own and acting from what one can do
  The ability to proactively think about and execute 'how to move forward' in difficult situations, rather than stating reasons why it cannot be done.

• Finding pleasure in self-transformation during a difficult journey
  The ability to gather necessary resources oneself and a unique sensibility that finds pleasure in the process of one's own change and growth that occurs in the process.

What forms the foundation of these characteristics is 'intrinsic motivation,' which also aligns with research by Professor Nakahara and Professor Tanaka of Rikkyo University that 'talent who views new business as an opportunity for growth achieves results.'

2. Common Points Between Eccentrics and Intrinsic Motivation

The reason why talent called 'eccentrics' drives innovation is deeply related to intrinsic motivation as follows.

• Interest, sense of mission, and great cause
  Intrinsic motivation is rooted in personal values and a sense of mission, and the unique passion that an 'eccentric' holds is a symbol of this. Eccentrics engage in business not to maintain their livelihood, but to pursue their own reason for existence while 'being more spiritually rich.'

• Pleasure in solving problems
  Because eccentrics find joy in the process itself of creating new value to solve problems, they can enjoy even the situation when facing difficulties. This is because they introspectively feel their own growth and change every time they overcome each hurdle. This is consistent with an attitude that values self-growth.

Intrinsic motivation is also one of the elements that make up Emotional Intelligence (EQ), the ability to recognize one's own and others' emotions and harmonize them with thoughts and actions to be useful in work and life.

3. Growth Orientation and Results as an Eccentric

The perspective of viewing new business as an 'opportunity for growth' is the very principle of action for the eccentric. They generate results in the following ways.

• A mindset of continuous learning
  They do not obsess too much over short-term results; instead, they possess a learning mindset that is not afraid of failure and seeks to apply lessons learned from failure to the next challenge. By doing this, they are not restricted by the status quo but can act freely based on future possibilities, which in turn makes it easier to achieve long-term results.

• Proactivity and resource creation
  Through their ability to take action and gather the necessary people and resources themselves, they advance projects without depending on the external environment. It can be said that eccentrics possess the 'ability to find their own meaning' in tasks, even if they are requested or commanded by others, rather than just being 'made to do them'.

• Enjoyment of the process
  Because they find pleasure in the process rather than the result, they spare no effort for long-term, sustainable endeavors. To use mountain climbing as an analogy, in innovation, there is no guarantee or promise that you will 'see a beautiful view at the summit.' If visibility is zero due to fog, that is still on the better side; there are times when a storm is raging and you are forced to turn back. That is precisely why the mindset of finding value in the process itself and enjoying it—thinking, 'There is value just in the fact that I am challenging this mountain' or 'If I think of it as physical training, I can use it next time'—is what is required.

These characteristics also align with 'Effectuation,' which is attracting attention as a 'mode of thinking discovered through decision-making experiments on expert entrepreneurs, where one deals with high uncertainty through control rather than prediction.' It is particularly important that being effectual also influences the growth speed of individuals and organizations.

4. How organizations can utilize the eccentric

To utilize eccentric talent, organizations also need to prepare an environment like the following.

• Ensuring psychological safety
  Provide an environment where people can challenge themselves freely and view failure as learning. While I believe no explanation is needed for many of you reading this article, if psychological safety is not ensured to some extent, many people will hide their eccentricity rather than express it.

• A culture that evaluates growth
  Fostering evaluation criteria and a culture that prioritizes the process of challenge and growth over short-term results. Everyone possesses eccentricity—they may just not have realized it yet or are hiding it—and what is needed is a culture and system that utilizes it rather than keeping it hidden.

• Acceptance of diversity
  Respect the unique perspectives and approaches of the eccentric and build a mechanism to maximize their value within the organization. Even among eccentrics with different hobbies and tastes, or those who have not yet discovered what kind of eccentric they are, a state where they can respect each other can be said to be an organization that can generate innovation.

The reality is that many talents who express their eccentricity are often treated as a 'minority' within an organization. For this reason, while there are cases where they cause friction and depart for somewhere else, if they conform to the organization, they become a 'talented hawk hiding its talons,' and in either case, that ability is not returned as the organization's capability.

Whether or not you can intentionally utilize the potential of the eccentric is the turning point in innovation management.

Summary

The 'eccentric' as I define it has the drive and growth orientation based on intrinsic motivation, which itself is the source of innovation. This perfectly matches the perspective shown by research that 'talent that prioritizes growth achieves results,' and it can be said that the eccentric is the true innovation talent. As an organization, by developing talent with such eccentric characteristics and preparing a system to utilize them, it becomes possible to realize sustainable innovation.

Be eccentric.

Thank you for reading until the end.

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