Innovation managment: Five innovation ideals

You may have already heard the hype about the significance of innovation management and its potential for businesses, especially smaller ones, but what conditions are conducive to innovation?

The main reason why innovation management is such a hot topic for soloists is because it dramatically assists in leapfroging competitors as opposed to relentlessly playing their game and being at their mercy. Innovation often opens new markets and can be a fantastic new source of revenue.

What characteristics or conditions are conducive to innovation?

1. Childlike behaviour

Brilliant ideas don’t come from being overly “serious” and rational. Many spectacular ideas come from those crazy, wild suggestions with a healthy dose of childlike inquisition. It’s important to surround yourself with people who not only possess this trait, but also allow you to indulge in such behaviour comfortably.

2. No money

Not having any (or barely any) money when aspiring to innovate is perfect. We have a very unique perspective on things when we are forced to think of how to accomplish something without access to funds. We are forced to think of alternatives that allow us to make something work at a fraction of the cost. And these alternatives, being by nature unique from the mainstream, usually make a large impact if you manage to hit the spot.

3. Hunger to create

The desire to innovate must stem from a deep passion to create something extraordinary and genuinely make an impact. Naturally it should be commercially viable, but if the hunger is solely for money, power or status it won’t really allow you to be at your creative best and the result won’t be as inspirational.

4. Optimism

Innovation management is tough because there are numerous hurdles to overcome. Because you are doing something new and uncommon, you’ve first got to convince people that your idea is worthwhile pursuing so you can garner the necessary support, you’ll face a range of obstacles/setbacks when designing your innovative work and you’ll be challenged to educate your target market to pique their interest and have them show their appreciation of your genius via financial reimbursement. All these hurdles require a very generous measure of optimism. You’ve always got to see the bright side when times get tough (and they will, guaranteed).

5. Calm state of mind

We are at our creative best when we are composed, relatively content and at times, excited about something. If we are distressed, our creative mind is closed and our thinking is severely limited. Being in a calm state of mind is achieved when engaging in those things that make us feel at peace with ourselves (and the world). Going for a walk, taking a shower, sitting in a park, playing a round of golf or weaving through the long, windy streets out in the countryside usually place us in a reflective and calm state. Best to make sure some sort of note taking technology is handy regardless of how adventurous you want to be!

It’s important to keep in mind that the innovative process is a journey. Stamina is usually of great importance when embarking upon any journey. All the above ideals would be irrelevant if stamina wasn’t present in the innovator.

So, what technique(s) will you use to stimulate your next innovative quest?

Paul J. Morris is an information systems strategist. This incredible title means that he helps businesses become more efficient at what they do while keeping them on track with their goals.

4 comments | Add your own

Innovation is about passion.
A passion to create, a passion to outperform and a passion to discover a better way. All of us at some time will aspire to these ideals, but there are many roadblocks.
The path to innovation is full of critics, people who can't see the same vision of a better world that you can. This is normal. Getting past early criticism is difficult, and in this way this article is great! It gives us all a motivation, and a clear set of guiding principles.
But putting innovation into action requires more than just ideals and motivation. It requires an understanding of the dynamics of what makes innovation work, and also importantly, what makes it fail.
First and foremost, putting innovation to action is about creating an environment of participation and visible benefit. You need to be clear about what the innovation hopes to achieve, and value the contribution of all parties.
All good innovation is comprised of a few key elements: information flow, communication and a diversity of views to be tabled. It also requires a champion, a leader who can filter through the chaos and find the patterns that work for their business. Forget just one of these and you’re missing the point!
Studies indicate that most innovation occurs between the customer-interfacing links of your business. They are your market, and that is where you should always start. They have unspoken needs and wants and you must strive to engage them in a continuous conversation. You must become the consultant. Take time to understand them without necessarily asking anything in return.
You benefit from their feedback, their point of view, and their loyalty. You will win their trust and further your reputation – a winning combination!
So build your networks, discuss your ideas with as many people as you can and converse with your customers regularly (and not just to sell them something!).
Martin Scicluna from Sydney
If we all dedicated time to innovation - and I mean scheduling it in our diaries - we'd all be better off. I agree with you Paul. Megan Tough from Sydney | Read my articles
In your exposition you made mention of stamina as a pre ma facie. If "assumed" solo lacks it vital elements, how are you going to help out?
Regards
Dauda Dauda Sandy from Freetown, Sierra Leone
Great question Dauda. And this would be of concern to many. If a soloist lacks stamina in particular (or anticipates that it could be a problem later down the track) it is wise to get a coach/close advisor/supporter on board to make sure things stay on track and you remain mentally fit. If a soloist is keen to innovate but suspects that he/she may lack the necessary qualities, well (now pardon the sales pitch folks) why not hire some good innovation consultants? Paul J. Morris from Sydney, Australia | Read my articles

4 comments | Add your own

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