Innovation is Everybody's Business

Innovation is on everyone’s lips these days. It is probably the most overused word in the lexicon of a business executive. Though that maybe true it is still critical to put our best foot forward as we navigate the uncertainties of the 21st Century. With so much talk about automation I think the one thing that can truly help us be relevant in the market place is to be innovative in whatever we do both in our personal and professional lives.

Innovation is Everybody’s Business by Robert Tucker is one of the better books I have read on this subject. This book is all about individuals becoming innovative not just the organizations. First you need to know who you are and where you want to go. So, project yourself 5 years from now and decide where you want to be.

Here are the seven fundamental innovation skills with my take on each.

Embrace the opportunity mindset: Successful people see opportunities where others see problems. Of course, every innovator we know whether it is a Steve Jobs or anyone else they foresaw a perceived need in the market and made products that customers didn’t even know they wanted. Keep your eyes and ears open to new things. Keep exploring the unknown and play in areas where others are not playing. You can also make it better than what others are doing now.

Become an assumption assaulter: I truly love this term. We all make assumptions on how things work and a lot of times we are proven to be wrong. Therefore, we should have diverse teams and as leaders we should be open to a few dissenting voices. Engaging in vigorous debate is always a good sign of healthy teams. So, start questioning all your assumptions and you will surely be playing like a true innovator.

Cultivate a passion for the end customer: Ultimately the person who uses what you produce is your end customers. We are in business to serve customers. Most successful organizations have an absolute customer obsession. They never lose sight of who they are serving, and this drives them towards high quality and delivery excellence.

Think ahead of the curve: Successful people audit their information intake. So, make sure you are consuming the right information and have a filter on what you need to play your best game. There is too much information for us to know everything. The best innovators do not try to learn everything but the things they do learn is of complete use to them.

Become an idea factory: We all get great ideas but sometimes we don’t note it down or stay with it long enough to enjoy the fruits of our thinking. So, make sure you have a note pad near you all the time whether it is at office or work. Keep noting all your ideas and then make some time to evaluate those ideas. As a group you can do brainstorming sessions to get breakthrough ideas for your organization.

Become a standout collaborator: Successful people are great in getting partnerships going. There is never a weakness if you can substitute it with someone who has the skills you lack. Again, it is all about assaulting assumptions. Collaboration truly promotes innovation. Two minds are always better than one. Together everyone truly achieves more.

Build the buy-in for new ideas: Innovators will always be met with resistance. That comes with the territory. So, you need to develop your persuasive muscles through effective story telling which can set you apart from your competition. Make the ideas understandable and show how it can help everyone if the ideas are implemented. Finally, it is all about being persistent. Once you decide on your vision never give up.

There you have it all the keys you need to be an outstanding innovator in whatever you do.

The views expressed here are my own and do not represent my organization.