Conclusion

It is quite clear that innovation in the best organisations is not some haphazard process that is ˜hit or miss . Organisations that survive and thrive have a clear strategy for innovation. It is integrated throughout the organisation s systems and processes, with benefits flowing through to the day-to-day operations and consequently to their clients . It is a multi- faceted process that needs to occur at all levels within the organisation.

Above all, there must be recognition that you cannot force someone to be innovative (they have to want to do it ”it s an emotional decision determined by whether or not the person likes their organisation and wants to see it prosper ). Innovation is a cultural issue and as such is effected by all of those people management issues that the top 20 per cent of companies manage well and the remaining 80 per cent do not.

Any company can become innovative. Like any organisational transformation process, it will not happen overnight. You will, however, be surprised at how rapidly staff will accept the challenge and respond positively to the new culture of innovation ”strategically, tactically and operationally.

Put the strategy in place and drive its implementation from the top, and you will ensure you survive and thrive in the corporate jungle .

Tips for creating a truly innovative organisation

1. Be customer focused

   Identify your clients needs ”both current and future. Predicting their future needs requires rare skills and judgment.The extent to which this must be achieved depends on how rapidly your market changes and where you want to position yourself in that market.

2. Capture new ideas

   This should be systematic, not ad hoc. New ideas at the operational level are easily captured if good systems are in place. At the tactical and strategic level, success will often hinge on the effectiveness of your market intelligence.

3. Stay technically current

   Whether via the Internet, technology sharing agreements or whatever, all companies that are world class have systems for staying current.

4. Look at old ideas in new ways

   If innovation is about reinventing the organisation, then an attitude of continually questioning the status quo and seeking better ways of doing things is the key to process optimisation .

5. Fast track innovative concepts

   Your competitors are trying to do things faster and better than you. Being first to market is a tremendous advantage. So let your competitors play catch up while you take market leadership. Highly innovative organisations have a sense of urgency ”it is palpable.They realise that timeliness is critical. Your systems must identify the great ideas.

6. Reward staff for their creative input

   All staff understand fairness. If you take their ideas and fail to reward them adequately they will stop giving you ideas.Then you re a dead duck.

7. Facilitate rapid decision making.

   Cumbersome organisation structures and obstructive or procrastinating middle management can so frustrate staff at lower levels that they stop being innovative.To them it s like hitting your head on a brick wall . . . it feels better when you stop.

8. Tighten up project management

   An obvious requirement if outcomes are to be achieved within a competitive timeframe.

9. Develop sound operational systems

   After innovation occurs, the improvements must be captured within day-to-day operations. Systems are the road map of your business. ISO 9000 has a chequered history but if it is implemented correctly it is an excellent method for capturing innovative ideas.

10. Encourage strong leadership

    Strong effective decision making that supports the team environment is the most important single requirement.

11. Develop a supportive organisational culture

    Good leadership will create and encourage a culture that drives innovation. If you develop such a culture, you will achieve your goal of developing an innovative organisation, even if some of the other features listed above are not perfect.