Alignment For creative acts that benefi t the organization to occur consistently,
the interests and actions of everyone should be aligned with the organization’s
purpose, vision, and goals. Leaders make clear what the company stands for, consistently
promote the vision, and clarify specifi c goals. In addition, they make
a commitment of time, energy, and resources to activities that focus people on
innovation. Many organizations set up separate creative departments or venture
teams. One increasingly popular approach is the idea incubator, which is being used
at companies such as Boeing, Ziff-Davis, and UPS. An idea incubator provides a
safe harbor where ideas from people throughout the organization can be developed
without interference from company bureaucracy or politics.27