6 Innovation Myths Debunked
Innovation is the buzzword of the moment for organisations, but what does it actually mean? With some common misconceptions muddying the waters, it’s no wonder that it can be a daunting subject for establishments looking to implement a sustainable innovation strategy. We’ve put together our take on the biggest myths in innovation, to help separate the fact from the fiction.
Myth 1: ‘Innovation, like any creative pursuit, is always messy and random.’
Our take: Innovation can and should be elegant, systematic and orderly. It’s not about random sparks of genius, it’s about building an organisational capability that helps you focus your efforts. Every big business today has an HR system, a sales system, a CRM system, why not an innovation system?
Myth 2: ‘The best ideas come from creative agencies, labs or charismatic lone geniuses.’
Our take: It’s the people closest to the everyday problems of the business who are the richest source of untapped creative potential in most organisations.
The best ideas come from the most unexpected people, working in roles where they can spot opportunities an agency would never stumble upon.
Myth 3: ‘Innovation is all about the Eureka moment.’
Our take: If you’re hunting for light bulb ideas, you’re starting in the wrong place. Focusing on the right questions, clearly articulating the problem to be solved and systematically working through how to address it is far more important. Ideas are just the helpful byproduct.
Myth 4: ‘Innovation is best done behind closed doors or it might unsettle (or get contaminated by) the wider business.’
Our take: Transparent, free-range innovation is the best way to engage staff, and stop your most creative problem solvers from leaving. Or worse, becoming frustrated and giving up.
Myth 5: ‘Innovation requires rigorous strategic analysis from consultants.’
Our take: Innovation is about creating a culture and framework where the people on the ground are inspired and empowered to do the hard work. We follow Peter Drucker in believing that ‘culture eats strategy for breakfast’.
Myth 6: ‘Once you’ve got a great idea with the right team and resource behind it, the job’s nearly done.’
Our take: If only that were true. In reality, it’s impossible to predict which initially promising ventures will stall and which ugly ducklings will soar. The key is to spread your bets via a portfolio of ventures, giving yourself the best possible chance of success.
Stuck on where to start with your innovation strategy? Visit our website for insights on how you can deliver a sustainable innovation framework that helps engage your employees and move your company forward.
