Motorola’s current CEO, Ed Zander, was heard numerous times saying, “I love my job. I hate my customers.”

And all the while, Carl Icahn has been pointing out the flaws in Motorola and its stock price. But the gentleman of Wall Street Activists has turned up the temperature.

But let’s examine Motorola’s CEO first. Is he really that “customer angry” as opposed to “customer friendly?”

His quote is not taken out of context, but it’s better understood in context of the wireless cellular industry.

The nature of the industry is such that a hot phone commands a price premium when first released, and over time it becomes a commodity priced at 1/10th of what it sold for a year ago.

Supply and demand.

In the case of the wireless industry, it’s hyper-acceleration of supply and demand.

So the quote from Motorola’s CEO is likely indicating it’s a tough market and customers (Verizon, AT&T Wireless, T-Mobile, Sprint) are a demanding bunch.

Message to Motorola CEO Ed Zander: quit whining. Innovate. Welcome to the playing field.

Smart manufacturers and smart marketers have to adapt to consumer demands.

Innovate.

Now let’s look at Carl Icahn.

Some say a mean, Gordon Gekko style Wall Street activist.

But what would you rather have…more of the same? Companies losing 40% of their entire value in one year?

Sometimes, the obvious is not always apparent.

It’s obvious to Carl Icahn, and those who understand that innovation and hyper-innovation have become standards.

Reallocation of resources and hiring of new resources focused on innovation is the new standard. For Apple, for HP, for Motorola. Innovation (and fast innovation) now becomes a competitive weapon. One that can be used by, or used against you.

Let’s applaud Carl Icahn for the obvious, which is not always apparent (hyper-innovation is the new standard).

Let’s support his campaign for Motorola’s Board of Directorship.

Let’s learn what happens when you fail to actively hyper-innovate.

Mark Hughes is a professional speaker, consultant, and author of the book Buzzmarketing: Get People to Talk About Your Stuff (Penguin/Portfolio).

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