The Other Side of Innovation
Innovation is not a destination. You do not arrive. You do not become innovative, rather you accept an appetite for innovation. Step-by-step, one iteration at a time. First recognizing an approach or process lacks efficiency and effectiveness, then creating a path of micro, digestible steps that are not overly disruptive. Instead, you focus on consistent and constant improvements.
Innovation requires collaboration and communication. If a person innovates in a silo, it is not sustainable, nor will it last. Change is forced.
Innovation Inspires.
In business, especially a people business, every new idea or shift in operations has a degree of impact on your people. Paramount to the journey is transparency. People need to know the impact is coming. Explaining why, gaining buy-in, seeking suggestions. Collaboration and communication require resources. Not just monetary resources. Before you chase innovation, determine if you have the resource of time to commit to the endeavor.
Innovation does not always start in boardrooms or with executive leadership. For innovation to be adopted and implemented, it demands careful observation and an empathetic approach. Sitting, listening and ideating with the people who will be responsible for taking a company, product or team to an innovative state.
Just like a software update, innovation occurs in increments of tenths; 1.0 to 1.1, progressing to 2.3 and then 4.8. I just downloaded an Apple operating system update - 18.5. It does not happen overnight. Years in the making. Each gradual step predicated on what could be improved or enhanced.
Like climbing Mt. Everest, you ascend one step at a time. An exchange of vertical and lateral treks. Innovation requires pause, rest, regrouping; offloading what is not necessary for the next leg. The break is not about laziness or reduced effort. It is critical for the mission to go as designed. When climbers think they are more knowledgeable than their Sherpas they don’t make it to the summit. Charging ahead of the team is when you end up lost in the whiteout. A camp mere steps away, never again to be seen.
Innovation requires a degree of humility, keen awareness of limitations and obstacles. In true innovation, you will encounter more frustrations than successes. Unforeseen barriers that must be removed from the path to progress forward. They cannot be lifted or passed alone.
Innovation should be qualitative in design and strides QA’ed by quantitative measurement. A delicate balance of two interdependent methods.
Perhaps a proclamation of innovation is the same as proclaiming leadership, smarts and power. When you think you are more influential, brighter or stronger than others in the room that is when you have the biggest problem. Ego and confidence creating a lane for stagnation, ultimately halting growth.
What if innovation is more simplistic than presumed? Complexities are confusing.
Lastly, with any true success story, acknowledging, applauding and rewarding the progress of tenths is where the magic lies.