Ducks In A Row: Is Innovation Costly?
by Miki SaxonI received and email in response to last Tuesday’s post about the value of adding QF to your culture’s DNA that absolutely floored me.
“Jess” said that “the disruption caused by indulging in QF” was expensive and difficult considering today’s economy. He said that this wasn’t the time to look for innovation, but to focus on survival; and that even in good times innovation was expensive and not all companies could afford that level of brain power.
Granted, a lot of CEOs have a hunker down mentality right now, but even casual reading will show that the smartest companies, whether large or small, are using this time to innovate and build, so they can move swiftly when things turn around.
But it was the special brain power for innovation that blew me away.
Innovation isn’t about hiring a Steve Jobs think-alike, but about tapping into the people you have and creating a culture that encourages and rewards ideas—even if they upset the status quo.
One of the most innovative and creative business segments these days (and historically) is the wholesale drug trade, AKA, drug lords.
The constant innovation required to smuggle their product is amazing and I doubt that the innovators have special training or degrees from Ivy League schools (other than their financial and legal talent).
The innovation is driven by market forces and necessity.
Creativity is a mindset that can be cultivated in everybody IF the company’s culture supports it and managers have skin in the game.
The requirements for a culture of innovation are already well represented here and in numerous other places.
Skin is accomplished by tying part of managers’ compensation to the group’s innovation.
This requires a well publicized set of measurements, not a boss’ opinion that changes with mood or whim.
(Hat tip to Biz Levity for the drug link. Subscribe if you want to add some business-irreverent laughter to your life).
Your comments—priceless
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Image credit: ZedBee|Zoë Power on flickr
June 23rd, 2009 at 5:14 pm
I stipulate to the fact that ideas can sometimes lead to great things, I also submit that it is more frequently the case that ideas lead to disappointment and disaster.
@mikemyatt
June 23rd, 2009 at 9:59 pm
Hi Mike, disappointment and disaster are a product of execution, not ideas. Both can avoided by creating a culture in which no one is willing to suggest anything for fear it won’t work (or will be screwed up).
Execution can be fixed; people who have been knocked over the head for having ideas usually can’t—at least not in that culture.
Thanks for visiting and adding your thoughts!
June 23rd, 2009 at 11:55 pm
[…] tips: Speaking of swagger, please be sure to see this item by Miki Saxon, offering a particularly illuminating example of innovation that you aren’t likely […]
June 24th, 2009 at 12:58 am
Thanks for sharing!!
Ideas can be both misleading as well as way to success.Only it is the selection that matters.
June 24th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Hi BC, Not ‘only’. I agree that selection is critical, but you still need a culture that supports idea creation or you’ll have nothing from which to select.
Thanks for stopping by and adding an important thought to the subject.
July 1st, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Innovation could be costly, but it’s more about time. Innovation takes time while copying is instant, huh.
July 1st, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Innovation is responsible for that iPod you probably carry. Yes, it takes time and effort and a culture that supports the mindset that can make it happen.
Copying fast, lazy and often illegal. It is what China frequently does and it robs companies of their intellectual property and ability to grow.
Fast and lazy is a follower’s function, one who follows way behind the rest.