I think it’s fair to say, the term ‘innovation’ has had its day.
And gosh, it’s had a good run. For at least the past five years, probably longer, it’s all we’ve been hearing about in business circles. And I must admit, until quite recently I was well onboard the bandwagon.
But a close consideration of the concept is cause to reassess its prevalence in the business agenda.
Let’s strip it back. Innovation: it means a new and novel, and essentially smarter, way to do something. Great, right? No one could argue that’s not an essential ingredient to running a business.
The problem is, with the assault of white papers, and politicians, and keynote speakers all shouting at us that we’re not going to survive without implementing more ‘innovation’ into our businesses, it can leave us running scared.
Getting bogged down in the concept can be counterproductive. And besides, you’re probably doing it anyway.
Save Barry the proverbial suburban electronics shop owner, who hasn’t changed his service delivery in a hundred years, doesn’t have a website, and whose grumpy staff haven’t given customer service since 1995 – I think you’re safe.
Staying up with the latest technology, continually revising your business plan and processes, updating staff training, and of course, striving for excellence and originality is simply good business.
Being relevant doesn’t need a fancy label – what it does need however, is good leadership. If your staff are resting on their laurels, don’t fall to temptation and drag out the whiteboard for a so-called innovation session. Putting staff on the spot is rarely conducive to the free-flowing of ideas.
Instead, try a different approach.
When has your team been most creative in the past? What was happening then, that’s not happening now?
It could mean changing around teams to get some fresh dynamics. Perhaps some outside talent might be called in for some strategic contract projects. Most importantly, ensure that the quieter voices in your business also have a forum to be heard.
And that’s where the elusive concept of innovation comes into play anyway. Staff need to feel that when they do have an idea for a better, smarter way of doing something – you’ll want to hear it.
