Innovation, anyone?

By Per Lindskog

What does innovation mean? Most people probably associate the word with inventions, new things, or changes. Webster offers the following definition:

1. introduction of something new
2. a new idea, method or device

In the world we live in today with everything changing quicker than ever before, things like innovation takes on a different meaning. It’s important for everyone, whether in business, small or large, or not.

What do we know about innovation? How does it affect us? How can we use this knowledge to our advantage?

William Pollard wrote: “Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable.”

I agree that innovation is closely connected with change, and how we handle it, both on a personal level as well as on an organizational level at work. When things change it is usually due to innovation in some shape or form.

During many years working with people and organizations I have found that most struggle with change in different contexts. Change is often experienced as uncomfortable and unpleasant.

I will attempt to outline, in a few points, how a focus on innovation is a good, or perhaps one of the best, tools to manage change.

1. Ways of “doing things”: Do you have a “deeper” understanding and appreciation of the fact that there’s always more that one way of doing something? This will be a precursor to any true innovation. Start by deliberately thinking of different possible options of achieving a goal. Explore the options further and make it a habit.
2. Continued learning: Do you agree with the statement: “No matter how good you are, there’s always room for improvement”. This is another precursor for innovation. Make sure you never stop learning. Read books and magazines, business or hobby related. Continue your education at a local college or university, even if only for short courses. Explore your true potential by working with a good executive coach.
3. System or framework: Do you have a system or framework for innovation in your department or company? Do you measure it? What do you think would happen if you did, and rewarded people for being innovative? If you don’t have these, consider implementing one immediately.
4. Your culture: Does your company culture encourage innovation? Do you allow mistakes? Are mistakes rewarded or punished?
   Most successful companies allow and encourage experimentation and the inevitable failures and mistakes. Give it some thought and try it, in a controlled manner!
5. Your teams: Make sure to mix the teams in your organization, i.e. men and women, from different ethnic backgrounds, and from different age groups. Not only is this a legal requirement in most cases, but also an absolute must in order to get the creative juices flowing resulting in true innovation.
6. Strategic Plan: This one goes both ways. There should be an innovation component in your latest Strategic Plan. Ironically, innovation is also needed to develop an effective strategic plan, one that will actually be an effective tool for running your business, one where there’s a “red thread” through your organization starting at the Strategic Plan and all the way down to the objectives and compensation for all employees.
   I call this process Strategic Transformation, which is a better term for this entirely new approach to Strategic Planning.

Peter Drucker said: “Innovation is the specific instrument of entrepreneurship, the act that endows resources with a new capacity to create wealth”. Steve Jobs said: “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”

- Per Lindskog is an executive coach, technical and performance consultant and partner with the Human Capital Group. With 25 years of successful international corporate, and consulting experience, he has mastered the art of the “human side of business”. Per’s insight in these areas and his desire to share this knowledge with others is the key behind his successful coaching and consulting practice. He can be reached at 888-HCG-9298.
the introduction of something new
a new idea, method or device

Innovation, anyone?