10 Steps for Leaders to Inspire a Culture of Innovation
- Clearly explain that innovation is desired in ALL areas of the business. Without the clarity, employees might assume product innovation is the sole focus.
- Explore weaknesses and opportunities that may be invisible to experts within their know-how. Sometimes employees can be very helpful when inspired to think outside their own departments.
- Create a contest rewarding the “dumbest ideas that just might actually work!” This approach eliminates the stigma of weird, unrealistic suggestions, allowing employees to really get creative and think outside the box.
- Use crowdsourcing to strengthen innovation. Use the internet to gain insight from anyone.
- Read open-ended answers on surveys. These answers could possess an exclusive idea.
- Consider innovations from other departments. A successful adjustment could be implemented throughout the company.
- Regard previous innovations that could be tweaked for new products or new segments.
- Credit mistakes. When looked at from a different perception, mistakes may actually be a positive aspect.
- Location can play a role in innovation. Allowing ideas to grow separately from the daily task and decisions in the business could inspire greater ease of innovation.
- Encourage anything and everything. Provide no limitations – anything can be created, destroyed or changed.
