If we had to bet our lives on the continued success and adaptability of any single company (...), we would place that bet on 3M. Using 3M as a blueprint for evolutionary progress at its best, here are five basic lessons (...).

1. Give it a try - and quick!
2. Accept that mistakes will be made.
3. Take small steps.
4. Give people the room they need.
5. Mechanisms--build that ticking clock