Much like the LinkedIn discussion that triggered it, last week’s post hit a nerve: can employees learn to be innovative?
A few people suggested we reframe the question to:
There are many ways to look at it, and frankly I don’t think it’s that big of a deal. Hard? Yes. Complicated? No.…
There is a frenzy of discussion on the Front End Innovation LinkedIn group around the following question: can employees learn to be innovative?
I think this a question many executives are asking themselves, and undoubtedly are looking for a silver bullet answer. My answer?
First, let’s get a few things out of the way……
MIT’s Andy Pentland says the best decision-making environment for good ideas to spread is one with high levels of both “engagement” and “exploration.
The best decision-making environment, Mr. Pentland says, is one with high levels of both “engagement” and “exploration.” Engagement is a measure of how often people in a group communicate with each other, sharing social knowledge. Exploration is a measure of seeking out new ideas and new people.
The answer is obvious, right? Well, not so. Some think that ideas matter more because you can snap them out of thin air. Which is why I think most people guard their ideas. They think they are unique on their own…
That isn’t true. Ideas matter, but execution is where the rubber meets the road. You need both.
With that said, the answer is obvious: Ideas come from people. Therefore, people are more important than ideas.
Bottom line: Getting the team right is the necessary precursor to getting the ideas right. But, getting the right people and the right chemistry is more important than getting the right idea. This is easier said than done.
In my experience, no. In the short-term the organization might get a jolt of excitement, but over the long-term nothing will change.
Here’s why:…
There is no innovation without experimentation…
A while back, Dan Ariely wrote a thoughtful column in the Harvard Business Review about why businesses don’t experiment:…
Phil McKinney asks: are customers a source of ideas for innovation?
Two years ago The Economist published a report where it indicated that by 2020 customers will replace R&D as the main source of new ideas. Well, apart from customers, there are many sources where companies can get ideas for innovation; partners, competitors, non-competing companies and employees.
Some of the most innovative ideas can come from customers themselves. But, you must involve them.…
