by Spectrum Business
Innovation is now as a top priority for leaders around the world. Research shows that three-quarters of CEOs now say that innovation is as important to company success as an organization’s overall operational effectiveness. The rapid pace of technological change and the pressure of global competition are pushing every business to rethink how they serve customers.
Innovation doesn't come from leadership alone. To keep up with this world your entire team needs to be thinking about ways to respond to changes in your industry. The following strategies will help you build a workplace culture that supports innovation.
Educate your team on Industry Trends and Technologies
The employees who understand industry shifts, relevant technology trends and changes in customer behavior are best positioned to contribute to innovative ideas . To have all your employees be able to help your company innovate there should be one team member to gather and share their knowledge. Even quick overviews of key trends, competitor developments or new technologies at a weekly or occasional team meeting will keep evryone informed and engaged.
Encourage Team Contributions and Collaboration
A team that is encouraged to consider and contribute creative ideas and solutions will be more inclined to do so. Team innovation thrives when employees feel valued and heard. Keep your team updated on company performance and future opportunities. You don’t have to share revenue numbers; an overview of company direction and developments will suffice. At the same time, make it clear you want to hear from them: Solicit suggestions that could improve the company, and ask for feedback. Adopt an open-door policy that invites employees and managers to visit your office with questions and comments.
Give Employees Ownership
Independent staffers are more likely to innovate since the responsibility of owning a project or process encourages people to consider the best way to manage it. Employee empowerment is a crucial element in creating an innovative work environment. Put your team on the right course by providing goals and making yourself available for problem resolution, and then leave the day-to-day execution to your team.
Remove roadblocks to innovation
Reinforce your commitment to workplace innovation by providing the materials and information your staff needs to do their jobs well. The key to removing barriers to innovation is to listen and be responsive to team requests for items they need to do their jobs effectively. When possible, try to take action quickly on any issues that may slow them down. When you can’t, explain why and brainstorm another solution.
Set the Tone for Smart Risk-Taking
Innovation can require risk, and you set the bar for risk tolerance in your company. You don’t have to be a “risk junky” (most successful business owners are not) to demonstrate an appetite for risk. Taking a risk can be as simple as searching for a new vendor to improve the quality of your product or changing the way you provide customer service. By taking these steps, and acknowledging that any change involves risk, you will encourage your team to bring innovative ideas to you.
*PricewaterhouseCoopers, Global CEO Pulse Survey, 2013
