There is not one clear innovation strategy that is a one-size fits all for businesses to embark in the innovation process. However, there are some simple things you can do to stimulate innovative thinking and actions before a formal strategy is in place. Here are three straightforward ways to kick-start the innovative process.
- Talk To Start-ups And Their Employees: Ask them how they are innovating in their business. Inquire about their innovation strategy and see if pieces of it will work for your company. You will be surprised how other companies and industries crossover, especially when it comes to innovative thinking and even predictive innovation. Use other companies previously laid groundwork to ignite your innovation strategy.
- Collaborative Thinking Model: Whenever you bring bright minds together in the interest of innovation, typically, ideas come to life. How does a company get ideation started inside the business? Here’s a sample question you can ask your employees to get conversations started. “If you could do anything in your job over the next year without boundaries and without budget implications, what would you do to advance the mission of the company?” The creative, entrepreneurial employees will probably have some ideas pretty quickly. These are the people you really want to bring into the conversation frequently. Create a think tank inside your company and leverage the most creative minds.
- Time And Space: Whenever I get innovative ideas, usually it’s because I’ve given myself some free time to think and space away from daily tasks at work. In other words, I have allowed my brain to think freely, which lets new ideas enter in and percolate for some creative thought. This usually happens for me when I travel, when I am on vacation, riding my bike or listening to music. Once you decide to handpick your company think tank, don’t forget to give them the same time and space you give yourself. They need time and space to think of innovative ideas just like you do.
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Scott MacFarland
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