What does it Take to Build a Culture of Innovation in our Companies?

Hello everyone! If you are reading this, thank you for your interest in my new Newsletter. I’m a fan of trying new things and experimenting with content formats and with these new series, I hope to share valuable insights and thought-provoking content focused on unlocking our creative potential and exploring ways to turn ideas into reality.

The journey from brainstorming to breakthru may seem daunting, but it is a voyage filled with excitement and rewards. Join me in trailing the path through the realms of strategy, marketing, leadership, technology, and sustainability. I believe these pillars form the foundation for innovation.

By deep diving into these elements, together we can potentially unlock solutions and find ways to positively impact our organisations, communities, and the world.

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Most of us have come to understand that innovation is the lifeblood of success. We know that to thrive, we must tap into the collective brilliance of our employees and create a culture that embraces fresh ideas.

In this article, I will delve into the transformative power of fostering a culture of innovation – and key elements that we can take into consideration on our efforts.

Let’s first look at what leaders across various organisations say about the “culture of innovation”:

• Markus Graf, VP and Global Head of Talent at Novartis : “Innovation happens when people come together with different points of view, backgrounds.”
• Jorge Rodriguez, President & CEO of Sorenson : “To create that safe place of individual expression, organisational leaders must evolve toward a learning climate that promotes innovation and risk-taking while embracing diversity and inclusion.”
• Ravi Arora, VP for Innovation at Tata Son : “The creation of a culture in an organisation is a perpetual process. Attitudes for activities like innovation are formed consciously and unconsciously as a result of leadership behaviour and prolonged practice.”

If you notice, the common thread running through these quotes is their emphasis on the pivotal role of leadership, diversity, inclusion, and a collaborative culture towards innovation.

For those of you who are thinking – this is easier said than done. I hear you. In a 2022 poll by McKinsey , 85% of executives said that fear frequently or consistently hampers innovation initiatives within their organisations.

When it comes to identifying the top roadblock to innovation, it becomes evident that fear stands as an obstacle. Recognising this, as leaders, we can greatly benefit from considering these strategies to overcome this hindrance while fostering a culture of innovation:

1. Set the Tone for Innovation as Leaders

How does the tone of innovation sound? I would describe it as energetic, optimistic, and forward-thinking. Here are some ideas:

We can start with a compelling vision that inspires and motivates our teams towards innovation. By clearly communicating the significance of innovation and creating a sense of enthusiasm and purpose around it, we can ignite the creative spark within them.

“Ignite the symphony of innovation and set a tone that resonates with energy, optimism, and forward-thinking.”

The next layer requires us to provide autonomy, resources, and support to our teams, enabling them to explore new ideas, learn from failures, and confidently drive innovation. By granting them the freedom to take risks and providing the necessary tools and support, you empower them to push boundaries and think outside the box.

More importantly, practice what you preach as a leader. Embody innovation through your actions and behaviours, serving as a role model for your team. By demonstrating a commitment to innovative thinking and embracing new approaches, you inspire and influence others to do the same.

I am a firm believer of having a "pay it forward" mindset. Consider simple actions such as encouraging positivity, promoting a culture of sharing and constructive feedback, and facilitating cross-functional collaborations. All these actions can create a supportive ecosystem and set the right tone for innovative thinking.

2. Place Diversity & Inclusion at the Heart of Innovation

The value of ‘diversity of thought’ becomes evident as it enables the exploration of different problem-solving approaches and encourages alternative viewpoints. By embracing diverse perspectives, we can tap into a rich pool of ideas, leading to innovative solutions that may not have been discovered through a single-person’s thought process alone.

When all our teammates feel included and empowered, they are more likely to engage in creative thinking, challenge the status quo, and explore new possibilities.

Recently, a colleague of mine shared with me an interesting concept – ‘high-context communication’. When there is a better shared understanding of cultural norms, values, and unspoken rules, we can communicate more efficiently and effectively – and this further empowers our teammates to feel confident in their ability to contribute to common goals.

“Embrace unique perspectives, empower collaboration, and unlock the transformative power of a diverse team.”

I’ve observed that many teams at Schneider Electric , that represent different demographics, cultures, and experiences, are way better equipped to understand the needs and preferences of a diverse customer base that is crucial in driving innovative efforts.

Our teams at Secure Power exemplify the power of diversity and collaboration. With members hailing from various geographies, including Asia, Europe, Pacific, Africa, Americas, and the Middle East, our collective strength lies in the amalgamation of unique perspectives. When we come together and synergise our ideas, the outcomes we produce not only meet our objectives but also bring a distinct and innovative approach to the table.

However, our commitment to innovation doesn't stop there. Through our Winning Ideas Network (WIN) programme, we actively encourage not only sharing, but support teams in their implementation phase across all geographies.

I’m truly glad to be part of an organisation that understands that true innovation flourishes in an inclusive culture that embraces diverse perspectives.

3. The C-Word: Collaborate for Collective Creativity

We shouldn’t take the power of collaboration lightly. It drives the exchange of knowledge among teammates – and creates a culture of continuous learning, where new ideas and best practices emerge, providing fertile ground for innovation.

Across all our key efforts at Schneider Electric, collaboration takes the top spot. Collaboration fuels the growth of the digital economy. In fact, our digital collaboration platform, Exchange was introduced to empower the global digital ecosystem to create, collaborate, and scale innovation.

Perhaps one of the best approaches for collaboration is one that is agile and iterative. It allows for faster experimentation and refining ideas to create innovative outcomes. An important element is ensuring teams have a sense of ownership, purpose and commitment to the outcomes. Motivation can be increased through recognition and reward.

My takeaway… ?

Building a culture of innovation is a journey and demands the participation of every individual in the company. Here’s how we create an environment where innovation thrives and becomes an integral part of the DNA:

• Valuing diversity through leadership programmes, training, policy
• Setting the right leadership tone through c-level sponsorship of initiatives
• Providing recognition through corporate or even team-designed tools or programmes such as Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact Awards
• Promoting collaboration through tailored programmes and platforms such as Schneider Exchange