INNOVATION
Innovation is the lifeblood of an organization. There is nothing
so stultifying to a company – or the people in it – as a belief that
the old ways must be the best ways. An organization which tries
to stand still will not survive.
Innovation requires a blend of creativity, clear thinking and
the ability to get things done. It requires thinkers and doers to
work closely together. Top management must create a climate in
which managers have the scope to develop new ideas and the
resources to implement them.
The success of innovative projects, therefore, can be seen to
depend on two issues: the characteristics of the organization and
those of the individual manager.
Organizational characteristics
The organizational characteristics which encourage innovation
are:
■ A free flow of information which allows executives to find
ideas in unexpected places and pushes them to combine
fragments of information.
■ Close and frequent contact between departments, and an
emphasis on lateral as well as vertical relationships
providing resources, information and support.
■ A tradition of working in teams and sharing credit.
■ Senior executives who believe in innovation and will make
the necessary resources available.
■ Managers with the ability and desire to seize opportunities
and to make time available for innovation.
Individual characteristics
To be an effective innovator you need:
■ To have a clear initial view of the results you want to achieve
- you should not worry too much to begin with about the
ways of achieving them.
■ To define clearly the aims and benefits of the project.
■ To argue the case for the project persuasively, making a
compelling business case (see Chaper 20).
How to be Creative 53