Organizations are either innovative or not. For some, it is the way forward, and the quest to advance, improve, and transform. For others, the value is in maintaining consistency, status quo, and minimal disruption. These two principles can operate in tandem. The most innovative organizations demand both practices.
Innovation is inherent in an organization’s culture. One that advances by developing new products or services, or by improving operations will inevitably instill innovation as a priority. It does not suggest that an organization abandons the core functions for innovation. Improvement requires a mindset to experiment, accept change, and expect potential failure, to be successful. Department and program goals will embrace progress as the accepted norm and an understanding of trial and error.
Making innovation important and deliberately designing for its inclusion, implementation, and measurement will bring out the creativity within an organization. Innovation requires time and investment. With these fundamentals in place, organizations will begin to see rewards from efficiency in, sustaining, or transformational initiatives.
You are likely innovating already. Being intentional will make it important. How could you make innovation important in your organization and life today?
