Innovation – how do you find it?
Today’s news article covering the sudden realisation by Nokia that it has been caught napping in its innovation, is a timely reminder to those organisations who rely on new ideas to keep ahead of the competition. Take your eye off the future, and the risk could be massive in loss of market share.
What is innovation?
Well, I guess it depends where you are. In Nokia’s case, they appear not to be looking all the time at what their clients or potential clients would want, or desire next. How desirable are Apple products? I’ve no idea what Android is, but they told me it was fantastic to have on my new netbook, so I got it, even though I’m not using it!
Don’t beat yourself up if you are not the one who lights up the room with all the bright whacky ideas, but do kick yourself if you don’t use that talent in others when you need to. Innovation can be about “introducing something new or different”, so if you don’t naturally spot the next opportunity, find people who can, and let them do it.
Top Tips for managing INNOVATION?
- Know your market. Network it, research it, talk to customers/clients.
- Develop an environment where ideas can be freely expressed – freedom, openness, non-judgemental.
- Brainstorm – 2 heads are often better than 1.
- Accept that some ideas will not run – use sound judgement to know which ones will play out effectively in the marketplace.
- Don’t procrastinate – timing can be the difference between being seen as innovative, and just a copier!
