The true essence of innovation is creation that has a net positive impact. Essentially, when we do something innovative, we are creating something new. Creation is not an isolated incident. Creation is the result of a complex interplay between the creator, creative process, and the environment they reside in. 

The People - The story of creation is as much about the creator as the creations she brings forth. An innovation simply can not exist without a motherly vessel conceiving, nurturing and eventually giving birth to it. All of us are born with the creative genius potential. We just need to develop a better understanding of the qualities of a creator and strive to consciously cultivate them within.

The Process - There is a process of creation, something we normally don’t observe. For example, we are not aware of how a flower is created. When we look at a flower in bloom, it is like looking at a time lapse video, the end result. But there are hundreds of very minute and intricate steps that transpire in the process of blooming. Same is true for the creative process in which an idea enters our mind and may result in a new creation such as a product, service or a movie. To really know the process of creation, we need to slow it down to observe all major and minor steps. This process is critical because once we know that process of creation, then we can apply that process to all kinds of creations. When we don't know the process, we can only rely on happenstance. 

The Place - The seed of innovation can not sprout and become a healthy fruiting tree unless planted in a nourishing and suitable habitat. For individuals, this habitat is the inner environment, their state of mind. For someone working in a larger organization, the habitat is both inner and outer. Both inner and outer environments can be designed for creativity to flourish.

When these three factors are aligned, we are in the zone of creativity, a state of being where there is a seemingly effortless flow of creativity and innovation.