Invent

Computer giant Hewlett Packard proclaims its corporate philosophy in a wonderfully simple corporate slogan: Invent.

Invention is a tradition woven into the fabric of the American psyche and the nation's institutions. Earlier this week, the U.S. Patent and Trademark office celebrated its 200th anniversary.

During the past two centuries, the Patent Office has issued more than 6.3 million patents, and continues the tradition at the rate of some 3,500 each week for demonstrably distinct products and processes.

Invention is the fuel that drives progress in every human endeavor. And so every leader has a responsibility to invent --- or to champion the inventions of others --- to improve what is and create what could be.

Invention is neither a mystical process nor an activity that's exclusive to wildly creative people. It is the natural by-product of an open and inquiring mind willing to look beyond the confines of habit and convention. What if... are the first two words of all progress.