Week 7, 2021 — Issue #139
Innovation Culture: Exacting Standards, Rigorous Discipline, and Brutal Candor
Each week: three ideas for how to make work better. This week: three ideas to remind us that innovation isn’t just fun and games.
My deep dive into innovation and innovation management systems continues. HBS’ Gary Pisaro is making frequent appearances, and it’s his The Hard Truth about Innovation Culture that I want to deal with today. It’s a somber reminder of that innovation actually entails.
Let’s dig in.
1. Exacting Standards
Innovative cultures are often said to be tolerant of failure. And that’s true. But innovative cultures are also intolerant of incompetence. Failure is OK as long as we learn from it. Remove that learning and failure is all that’s left. That, and grounds for dismissal.
2. Rigorous Disciple
Innovative cultures are said to be able and willing to experiment. And that’s true. But this willingness is not an excuse to work without purpose or plan. On the contrary, innovative cultures are highly disciplined and focused on results. They build, measure, and improve.
3. Brutal Candor
Innovative cultures are said to provide a high degree of psychological safety. And that’s true. Innovation can’t take root if people are afraid to speak up. But remember: communication is a two-way street. The truth can sometimes hurt, even if delivered in a velvet glove.
There’s a reason why most organizations suck at innovation: they’re so focused on easy-to-like behaviors that they forget about their more serious counterparts. And that’s a mistake.
There are two sides to the innovation coin. Both are critically important. And if you want proof, look no further than the innovation Hall of Fame. Companies like Apple, Amazon, and Netflix are not easy to work for. They are demanding and hard around the edges. But they are innovative. And that’s no coincidence.
That’s all for this week.
For more, read Pisaro’s HBR in full. In addition to the above, it provides two additional hard truths; Strong Leadership and Individual Accountability.
Until next time: Make it matter.
