Emplify’s Innovation Culture Model - A Framework for Progress
In previous Stories, we have argued that building a thriving innovation culture will set organisations up for sustained success. In this Story, we introduce Emplify’s Innovation Culture Model as a framework to guide organisation change.
Let’s step back and remind ourselves what we mean by innovation. It is more than simply doing things differently. Innovation is remarkable change that creates value for the people you serve.
When organisations strive to be an Innovation Powerhouse and create this identity through their culture, magic can happen. A thriving innovation culture is not a fancy add-on; it’s the human foundation that sets organisations up for success. Innovation is not just something the organisation engages in; it’s what the organisation is. Innovation becomes embedded into the DNA, influencing every aspect of how the organisation rolls.
But why should organisations aspire to foster such a culture?
The answer lies in their long-term survival. In today’s competitive business environment, organisations that fail to innovate successfully risk becoming obsolete not just in relation to products and services but notably in terms of their people. People want to work for organisations where what they do matters, is future-focused, and creates change for the good of all. Creating a thriving innovation culture where people can grow and shine is essential for organisations’ future health.
This sounds all very nice, but what does a thriving innovation culture look like, and how do you get one? What are the Characteristics of an Innovation Culture? This challenge is the rallying cry for Emplify.
Emplify is a culture change platform that offers a unique and holistic approach to addressing the innovation challenge. Its Innovation Culture Model brings together the five fundamental Characteristics that make up a culture that’s purpose-built to support innovation. The Model is based on experience and extensive research into the cultures of high-performing organisations.
Here’s a quick introduction to each Characteristic:
Empathy — Listen, Relate, Connect
Empathy helps understanding through listening, being open and creating meaningful connections. It is the cornerstone Characteristic of Emplify’s Model. When organisations prioritise Empathy, it sets the stage for the other Characteristics to flourish. Empathy is the first Characteristic organisations work on to level up their culture.
Synergy — Better Together
Synergy involves fostering collaboration, valuing diversity and building strong relationships. Everyone feels safe to be themselves and speak up. We understand that we are better together.
Focus — Doing what matters most
Focus helps everyone align their efforts with a clear, inspiring purpose. We know where we are going, why, and how we will get there. The role of innovation is clear. With a shared road map, everyone focuses on doing what matters most.
Motivation — Drive, Resilience and Ambition
Motivation cultivates people’s intrinsic drive to make progress and embrace challenges. Everyone has a growth mindset; they are resilient, take responsibility and know their organisation has their back. The team is ambitious and energised to succeed.
Magic — Unleashing Creativity
Magic is the transformative and creative Characteristic of your innovation culture. It unleashes everyone’s creativity by encouraging thinking at the edges, exploring new perspectives, taking calculated risks, embracing experimentation, and celebrating breakthroughs.
Imagine if your organisation was defined by these Characteristics. What innovative power could this culture ignite?
So, while organisations increasingly get the importance of their culture in shaping business outcomes, measuring and evolving your culture is not straightforward. This is Emplify’s gig. Emplify clearly defines the Characteristics and related Traits that make up a strong innovation culture. Using the tool, your organisation can discover how the current culture is perceived by its people and then engage with the habit development programme to make progress. Emplify is not a one-off transformation; it’s an always-on system of continuous improvement that everyone works on. Your people and your organisation grow together.
Start building a thriving innovation culture today.
To learn more, check out Emplify’s website and sign up for early access:
