It was a mere 10 years ago this month that Google launched its MentalPlex product – one of Google’s first side projects that allowed users to simply “think” a search term that prompted a more timely and accurate query than ever before. Of course, this was also Google’s first foray into its annual April Fools hoax – a move that left thousands of users both captivated and perplexed. Pranks aside, this sentiment is actually not too far from Google’s core (search) philosophy. According to Google’s (once-upon-a-time) Chief Information Officer Douglas Merrill, “Our goal is to have the top [search] result be not just what you asked for, but what you should have asked for – what you meant.”

This “type of thinking” is at the heart of Google’s innovative environment. There is no doubt this mentality alongside Google’s capabilities scare a lot of people. I mean… its ultimate mission is to take “all the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.” And fortunately (or unfortunately depending on your disposition), I think they are serious. But, we must not forget that Google has not always been the behemoth entity that it is today. It was only a little over a decade ago that Google began implementing some of the simplest, yet innovative, ideas of the last century. And as TED would say, these are “ideas worth spreading.”

Here are FIVE Google philosophies worthy of integrating into your own business/organization.

1. HIRE SMART PEOPLE. When is Google hiring? Depends on if you are smart or not. Most people still equate intelligence with grade point averages and SAT scores. While this might be a worthy gauge, this does not measure someone’s overall intelligence when it comes to work. “Smarts” are simply grounded in someone’s ability to think independently, participate in creative output, and problem-solve. Remember, it’s easier to teach a person how to “do” than how to “think.” Consider what this might means for your own working environment. And before you get too carried away with such a plan… might want to note what happens if you hire “too many” smart people.

2. “PRE-THINK” YOUR CUSTOMERS. Have you ever typed a phrase in Google knowing that you had no idea how to spell it? Hope to get the red-lettered phrase at the top of the screen that says “Did you mean…”? This is what Douglas Merrill (referenced above) was referring to when he asserted Google’s hopes are to provide its users with what they “meant” versus what they (seemingly) asked. Approaching a user base such as this requires a considerable amount of forethought, but worthy forethought none the less. What would it mean to understand your customer so well that you could preemptively suggest and/or provide what they actually need rather than what they may be inquiring about? And…what if this meant that you didn’t make a sell while doing it? Or put a little differently, what would it mean to…

3. MAKE MONEY WITHOUT DOING EVIL. As mentioned in an earlier DS post, serious consideration should be giving to the “ethical footprint” that we leave – a basic concept Google has been implementing for some time now. In short, honesty sits at the core of this philosophy. What would be uncovered if we were completely transparent? Does what we convey actually represent our organization? And as alluded to above, what would it mean to provide helpful feedback/advice, even if this meant losing a sale?

4. INSTILL A 20% TIME RULE. Over the last decade, Google’s “20% Rule” has become a corporate fascination by both insiders and outsiders. In short, Google encourages/requires its employees to spend 20% of their paid work time (equivalent to 1 day per week) doing something company related AND something that personally interests them. Of course, ideally you and/or your employees are already doing something you love. The difference here is that Google is not only opening up its resources to bring visions to fruition, they are enabling the autonomy to dream and implement. If you can create it, they will try it. Interestingly enough, over 50% of Google’s products have emerged from this 20% time including Gmail, Adsense, Google Talk, Google Earth, Orkut, and Google News to name a few. There is no doubt that there are a lot of people/organizations intrigued by Google’s 20% rule. The real question is whether these same people are making it a reality in their own work environment. How about you?

5. PLAY. The annual April Fools pranks are not the only reminder that Google doesn’t take themselves too seriously. Known as one of the “Best Companies to Work For” according to Fortune, Google has become a master at creating not only an innovative environment – but a playful one. (Or is this one and the same?) Your company might not have the financial resources to provide numerous workout facilities, an outdoor volleyball court, or community bikes and scooters to get around, but it does have the means to create a playful environment.

What does play look like in your workplace?