Much of my over fifty-year career has been spent in research. This is where you try risky projects which are likely to fail with the hope that one will eventually succeed and give birth to a new revenue stream. Many see research as a glamorous occupation, until there is a layoff and only those with a direct connection to the bottom line survive. Methodically searching existing sources for new knowledge, interpretations and conclusions is essential for long term growth and survival, but today’s bills still must be paid.

 The word “research” comes from the French “recherché” which means “carefully sought out.” The Latin word “circare” (to go around) gave rise to the French “cerchier” (to search) – adding the prefix “re” leaves us with “to continue searching.”  The noun form evolved to the modern notion of diligent, systematic searching. As an adjective, “recherché” came to mean rare, obscure, and avant-garde. The young woman in the photo above may or may not be a researcher, but she is looking very recherché.

 Research does not just happen in secure labs where intellectual property is highly coveted and tightly guarded. We are all researchers in our own right, often experimenting with ideas to find better methods or sometimes just any workable solution. Anyone who has ever raised kids has diligently sought ways to calm a screaming baby at 3:00 am, potty train a stubborn toddler, or get a second mortgage to pay for childcare. As parents we may have job security, but today’s bills still must be paid. <continue reading>