Is your innovation like deck chairs?

Why, for so many companies, is innovation like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic? I see so many companies bring the word Innovation into their annual strategy only because they feel it may give them the added approval and advantage in the competition for customers. And, I do think that the word in a strategy or value statement is a great idea, but lip service values and strategy are as good as a tea bag without a kettle.

Innovation is not just a strategy; it is a core purpose of the belief system of an organisation. It needs to drive the heartbeat and be felt in the pulse at all extremities. Innovation is not just doing the same thing, but faster or in a different way. It needs to be different from design through to implementation: different, innovative.

But saying that, innovation is not always high-tech stuff with AI, robots and automation. It could be as simple as doing away with paper reports. Or meeting the client’s needs in a new novel manner (see case study on Shoprite).

Innovation is a way to solve the new problems with new solutions that point and drive the organisation, and all those involved, in a new direction to a higher purpose.  So, please do not come tell me that your latest innovation project is to rearrange the desks on the admin floor and put flowers at reception.

If you need some kick starter ideas, a Thunk Session is maybe what you need. To help drive new ideas to new destinations in a new way. Call Me.