How can you set yourself up for success?
Here are some guidelines drawn from companies who are already on the
innovation journey.
Clarity – from leadership about direction and focus as well as the new cultural
norms; what is valued and supported and equally what is no longer acceptable
Relentless communication – from leadership through all available channels.
Messages which are clear, consistent and include stories which will build the
folklore to support the key behaviours and outcomes such as heralding those
who have had a go. Consistency comes from the senior team all telling the same
story, no matter what situation they are in
A few simple metrics – against which progress of the program can be measured.
The balance between behavioural and process needs to be right. Some examples
include number of ideas converted, number of ideas in the pipeline, time spent in
generating ideas
Involvement – of people at all levels, throughout the business, in the program.
Volunteering is best although conscription may be needed to kick-start activities
Vivid examples – integrated into the daily conversations of the business about
how the innovation program is making a difference, highlighting failures and
lessons learned; recognising creativity as well as success
Manage succession of key players – to ensure that the innovation program will
endure beyond the tenure of the current leadership. It is a legacy to the business
and succession is critical.