Bookmark This! Resources for Companies to Develop Innovation
I ran across an old Fast Company article titled “Why Innovation Matters”. While it was written years ago, the concepts still apply. There was one sentence that really stuck out for me.
“To succeed, companies need to see innovation not as something special that only special people can do, but as something that can become routine and methodical, taking advantage of the capabilities of ordinary people, especially those deemed by Peter Drucker as knowledge workers.”
It made me wonder how many organizations take the time and dedicate the resources for innovation to become a process. When we look at other organizational processes, there are things that we can focus on, which could improve innovation.
Employee Engagement is the Key to Innovation
Looking for the next breakthrough innovation? Look at your levels of employee engagement. Low engagement can stifle innovation and impede implementation.
Smart Innovation Takes Competent Leadership
We know the value of innovation in business success. When there is a need to do something different, smart leadership skills get the best results.
How Companies Support Innovation
Companies like Kronos, KPMG, and Quicken Loans are developing innovative cultures. They know the value human resources brings to innovative culture growth.
10 Skills Necessary to Innovate
Innovation skills can be taught. But what skills do employees need to innovate? Here are the 10 skills necessary to innovate successfully.
Your Company’s Next Innovation Will be the Result of Empathy
Empathy drives employee behaviors – those behaviors companies need for innovation. Technology is great but it doesn’t replace dealing with people.
One last resource I wanted to share was the book “The Innovation Revolution: Discover the Genius Hiding in Plain Sight” by K. Melissa Kennedy. I think it aligns with the idea that innovation can be cultivated within organizations.
The book offers a three-part plan for individuals looking to better their innovation skills. I’m not going to give away the entire plan, but let me say that it does focus on systemic thinking and change management. Melissa also gives readers access to several digital tools including an assessment and workbook. I like that the book has so many practical tools that can be immediately used at work.
Organizations want innovation. The good news is they don’t have to sit around hoping and wishing it would happen. Innovation can be developed to become a part of company culture.
Image captured by Sharlyn Lauby somewhere off the coast of Miami Beach, FL
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