World Business Expo

Get the commitment of the management team

Like any change you want to perform on the job, what you do not have the commitment of top management will not work. It sounds obvious to say, however I have noticed a dramatic difference in the programs of innovation that are initiated and supported by the General Manager, those who are driven only by a functional area.

If top management does not believe in innovation, that attitude will permeate throughout the organization. Eventually, the passion for innovation is something that can not be simulated. Or you have or do not. Or the innovation is in their priorities or not it is. Finally, let’s not fool anyone, people see how long it’s management team dedicated to innovation.

A very specific as I’ve seen to implement the General Managers for the organization to give importance to innovation is incorporated as one of the criteria used for evaluation and executive compensation. When this happens, everyone will immediately start paying attention to innovation.

Develop A Communication Plan, Training and Incentives

Once we are clear that we want to focus on innovation in the enterprise and we have the commitment of the management team, it is necessary to communicate our plans to the rest of the organization. Employees need to know why innovation is important and what is expected of them for the innovation program of the company is a success. In my experience, most people are excited about the topic of innovation, but what they always say is: 1) “I want to innovate, but do not know how to do” and 2) What do I get if I give a good idea for the company? This is why it is very important to train people in innovation and creativity and offer incentives, both intrinsic and extrinsic, that are motivated to innovate.

For a company to innovate must begin to train its staff in innovation. This includes explaining what innovation, what is the difference between creativity and innovation (creativity is to have good ideas, innovation is they are real), what is the process that must continue to innovate and how to identify opportunities for innovation, including others. It should also be giving people practical tools to enable them to innovate in their daily work, organized around the basic stages of the innovation process (search for opportunities, generating ideas, evaluating ideas, developing and implementing innovative ideas.)

For people to really be motivated to innovate should know what benefits exist for individuals who contribute ideas in the innovation program of the company. Contrary to popular belief, money is not necessarily the best reward for innovators. People often value more the recognition and the ability to do work they love.

credit to: Mario Morales
Source: www.gestiopolis.com/innovacion-emprendimiento/como-sistematizar-la-innovacion-en-su-empresa.htm
image source: www.business-strategy-innovation.com/uploaded_images/Growth3-757623.jpg