Is Execution More Important than Vision?

Sarah Lacy: Is Execution More Important than Vision?

Sarah Lacy asks a solid question at a great time. I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately as Silicon Valley moves into a period of conversation and new innovation coming down off of the wave produced through what some reluctantly refer to as “Web 2.0”.

Some ideas are commodities, others appear to be not. What is the difference between a truly “new” idea, or one which has been around for awhile and just happens to be executed upon at the right time?

Living and working in Silicon Valley and having had the chance to see a few ideas grow and take shape, and looking toward the future, these seem like interesting and important questions to ponder and have a conversation about.

I believe that both entrepreneurial approaches have a special and important place in society. And, that the tension between the two types of entrepreneurs is what creates innovation and sustainable improvement in our lives.

Sarah presents an interesting frame. But, it seems like there is a longer conversation to be had here, and her post is just the beginning. I’ve opened up this post for answers below. I’d be interested in hearing your opinion.

Are new ideas (vision) more important than execution?  Is execution all that matters? Are they complimentary?

22 notes

Show

  1. stumo answered: Like so many things, the answer probably isn’t binary. They are interdependent upon each other as tactics for achieving success.
  2. deepr answered: I think that a great idea can become terrible if it’s poorly executed. They do go hand in hand, but I think execution is key.
  3. meghanasha reblogged this from davemorin
  4. jamtoday answered: Artists ship, Dave. You know that.
  5. kevintwohy answered: Like all questions worth talking about, the most proper answer is probably: ‘it depends.’ ;)
  6. giantrobotlasers answered: Paul Graham says it well: ideas aren’t worth much because they are wrong. Making them real lets you find the real ideas. 1 word answers fail.
  7. davemorin posted this