Review of Innovation is Ugly by Lambert
As an avid reader and someone with a keen interest in business and innovation, I was immediately intrigued by Lambert’s latest book, Innovation is Ugly. The title alone piqued my interest, suggesting that this would not be your standard, glossy business fare. I often find myself delving into books that promise to peel back the layers of success and reveal the gritty realities underneath. This book arrived with high expectations based on its premise, and I was eager to see how Lambert would navigate the complexities of innovation.
Lambert’s candid admission that "it’s time to get real … innovation is UGLY" sets the tone for this insightful journey into a field where many misunderstand its value. Throughout my reading experience, I found two of the book’s strongest points to be its authenticity and the practical strategies it offers. Lambert has spent over 25 years in the trenches of innovation, and his stories resonate. He doesn’t sugarcoat the failures, mistakes, and misconceptions that plague innovators. Instead, he demystifies the process by providing actionable insights, like how to conduct productive brainstorming sessions and develop a robust innovation strategy.
One of the standout elements for me was Lambert’s approach to creativity. He emphasizes that running brainstorms isn’t about free-flowing ideas in a fun, relaxed environment, but instead, it requires structure and purpose. This ethos aligns with some feedback I’ve seen where past readers noted how refreshing it is to read a business book that feels both grounded in reality and exciting.
On the flip side, some readers mentioned that the writing style could come off as blunt, and I can see how some might find it abrasive. Lambert is straightforward—sometimes almost brutally so. While I appreciate this as it reflects sincerity and depth, I can understand how it might not jive with everyone’s taste. It did require me to adjust my expectations a bit; I expected some tactical advice mingled with literature fluff, but that simply wasn’t the case here.
Additionally, while the book offers a wealth of information, I felt that there were moments where it could have benefitted from deeper exploration, especially around the interpersonal dynamics of innovation teams. While Lambert addresses some of the pressures one might face when getting buy-in from retailers or stakeholders, I yearned for more commentary on team dynamics and leadership styles that foster innovation. However, I recognize that the brevity might also contribute to its overall accessibility, making it a good primer for those new to the subject.
I also appreciated the thoroughness of the chapter on creating a three-year innovation calendar. The step-by-step guidance provided is a standout feature, and I found the real-world examples made each concept more relatable. Lambert makes it clear that innovation is not optional, contrary to common misconceptions, and his lessons hit home effectively.
In summary, Innovation is Ugly exceeded my expectations with its raw honesty and practical approach. I found the book both enlightening and engaging, challenging my preconceived notions about innovation. While there are some areas for improvement, particularly in the depth of interpersonal insights and writing manner, Lambert’s real-world wisdom makes this a worthwhile read for anyone looking to better navigate the complexities of innovation.
If you’re looking for a book that pulls back the curtain on innovation and shows you what truly makes it work (and what doesn’t), I wholeheartedly recommend Innovation is Ugly. This book is a must-read for aspiring innovators, executives, and anyone involved in the creativity and product development space. You’ll walk away with a refreshed perspective and a toolkit that will help you tackle the messiness of innovation head-on.
Discover how to thrive in adversity with practical insights from Innovation Is Ugly.
>>