Innovation. It's a buzzword that's everywhere. Google Trends shows consistently high search volumes and a quick search for books on the topic yields millions of results.
Innovation. It's a buzzword that's everywhere.
Google Trends shows consistently high search volumes and a quick search for books on the topic yields millions of results.
Everyone wants to be innovative, from individuals to large corporations.
Even I jokingly ask my wife to be more "innovative" in the kitchen!
But despite this widespread desire, truly innovative organizations are surprisingly rare. Why is that? Why isn't innovation a mass phenomenon, despite the intense pursuit of it?
A Toddler's Lesson in Language (and Innovation)
I had a "eureka" moment while observing my 2.5-year-old son, a few years back. He speaks our family's native language, Gujarati, fluently, with the same expressions and modulations we use. I was struck by how effortlessly he had acquired this complex skill. I then noticed he was also picking up Hindi songs from TV shows, despite having no formal training in either language. He learned simply by being immersed in an environment where these languages were spoken and sung. This is true for most young children before formal education often interferes with this natural learning process.
The Flawed Approach to Corporate Innovation
This observation made me think about how organizations approach innovation.
Typically, companies invest in expensive training programs, create dedicated innovation teams, purchase specialized software, and build extensive libraries of innovation-related materials. Yet, true innovation often remains elusive.
One of the core reasons is that innovation cannot be forced.
It's not something you can simply inject through training or tools.
Instead,
Companies need to cultivate a culture where innovation permeates every aspect of the organization. This means integrating innovation into HR policies, workplace design, employee policies, and more.
Just as my son absorbed Gujarati through his environment, employees will naturally become more innovative when surrounded by a culture that fosters it.
Creating an Innovative Environment
Dedicated teams and tools are important, but they should serve as channels for existing innovative thinking, not as the source of it. Think about the iconic images of Google's offices, with their vibrant cafeterias and collaborative spaces. These environments are designed to trigger creativity and collaboration.
To foster true innovation, companies need to provide constant, pervasive triggers in every direction. It's about creating an environment where innovation is not just a concept, but a lived experience.
Conclusion
What do you think about the Innovation practices in your organization? How effective is it? What do you think needs to be changed so that you can be more Innovative?
Do share your thoughts in the comments...
A Unique Take: The drive to innovate often stems from a strong emotional force, like frustration or anger. In this post, I explore how such emotions can fuel innovation when paired with a supportive ecosystem. Read more in Harness Anger as a Tool for Innovation.
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