Why We Should All Steal Google's Homework

Everyone knows I'm a bit of a Google fanboy/girl/person – guilty as charged. But today, I'm not here to gush about their latest gadget or algorithm tweak. Instead, I want to nick a page from their playbook, one that doesn't get enough airtime: the whole 20% time gig.

For the uninitiated, Google once had this policy where folks could spend 20% of their time at work on any project they fancied. No rules, just right. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it's where some of Google's brightest ideas got their start – we're talking Gmail, AdSense, the works.

Now, before you roll your eyes and think, "Here we go, another Google sermon," hear me out. This isn't about turning every business into a mini-Google. It's about what we can nick from the idea without having to sell our soul or stock options.

Imagine giving yourself, or if you're the boss, your team, the freedom to tinker. A few hours a week to just...play around with ideas. No pressure, no expectations, just pure, unadulterated curiosity at work. Sounds pretty sweet, doesn't it?

But here’s the kicker: it's not just about letting wild ideas fly around willy-nilly. It's about creating a space where those ideas can land, take root, and maybe, just maybe, grow into something epic.

And, not every business can swing a full 20% of time towards pie-in-the-sky projects. But what about starting small? A couple of hours here, a brainstorm session there. It’s about carving out a bit of room to explore without the side-eye from the productivity police (and believe me I know the fun police love to shut this shizz down - get back to the office you lot!)

This isn’t about disrupting for the sake of it or throwing out the rulebook. It's about acknowledging that sometimes, the best ideas come from the most unexpected places. And yeah, it takes a bit of faith to believe that something groundbreaking could come out of these sessions. But isn’t that the point? To believe in the potential of ‘what if?’

So, here’s my pitch to you: Let’s start our own version of 20% time. Call it what you want, but give it a go. Who knows? That nutty idea you’ve been sitting on, the one you only think about on your commute or in the shower, might just be the next big thing.

In the end, it's not about being Google or not being Google. It's about fostering a culture where curiosity gets a seat at the table, where we’re all a bit braver about chasing those harebrained ideas. Because, at the end of the day, isn’t that where the magic happens?

I am making a pact to be a little less serious and a little more curious. After all, the worst that can happen is we end up with a bunch of ‘failed’ projects and a ton of stories to tell. But just maybe, we strike gold.

It might not be straight away but perhaps some questions like these might help you get started. It usually starts with questions right?

What If We Fail? - How can we create a safe space for failure, learning from it rather than fearing it, to encourage innovation and risk-taking?

Where’s the Time?- Can we identify areas in our current schedules or processes that could be streamlined or repurposed to free up dedicated time for exploration and creativity?

What’s Our Version of 20% Time? - How can we adapt the concept of 20% time to fit our unique organisational culture and goals, even if it's not a direct 20% allocation?

Who Leads the Charge? - Who will champion this initiative and ensure it’s given the attention and resources it needs to thrive within our organisation?

What Resources Are Available? - What tools, mentorship, and support can we provide to those pursuing their passion projects during this allocated time?

How Do We Measure Success? - Without traditional productivity metrics, how will we evaluate the impact and success of projects developed during this creative time?

What Inspires Us? - Can we share examples of innovations or projects from other companies, including failures, to inspire and educate our team about the potential of this time?

How Do We Share Ideas? - What platforms or forums can we establish for employees to share their projects, receive feedback, and collaborate across departments?

What’s Off Limits? - Are there any guidelines or boundaries for the types of projects that can be pursued during this time to ensure they align with our broader mission and values?

How Do We Keep Momentum? - What strategies can we implement to ensure this initiative remains vibrant and doesn’t get sidelined by day-to-day pressures or fade over time?

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