![]() ![]() This can happen in either a dedicated innovation team, or when seeking input from the entire company. Sometimes, preferential treatment can get in the way of innovation-managers prioritizing the ideas of just a few people, and not encouraging others to speak up. Unfortunately, some managers aren’t able to see the value in seeking out diverse opinions. People should see that their ideas will be taken seriously, and will be implemented if they’re a good fit for the organization. Have a process in place for moving ideas down the pipeline. Letting good ideas die in the pipeline is a common innovation pitfall that should be avoided. Some of the best process management techniques are only as good as the action that’s take afterward. Ideas are great, but they have to be backed up with action by inspired and engaged employees. Make it clear that failure is a normal part of the process, and they won’t be punished for it. Sometimes, the riskiest ideas end up being the best-and innovation efforts suffer without them.Įncourage people to get out of their comfort zone. It’s not safe to fail when there isn’t any trust that failure will be accepted as a normal part of the innovation process. When there isn’t enough trust among team members and the organization as a whole, the riskier ideas never see the light of day. ![]() Trust is an important component in any business initiative, but it is especially essential in innovation efforts. There are creative workarounds you can use (like looking to different departments for new ideas), but the bottom line is that innovation is important, and should have adequate funding and personnel to turn ideas into revenue. Try to emphasize the importance of innovation within the company, and lobby for increased resources. When innovation teams lack resources, it can be very difficult to get any new ideas off that grounds and into the implementation stage. Sometimes, it’s not the lack of inspiration that’s blocking innovation-it’s the cold hard cash or lack of manpower. People who work from home report 25% lower stress levels, and show 76% more loyalty to their companies-perfect conditions for encouraging innovation. Try to ensure everyone gets adequate time off for rest and relaxation-even solutions like allowing people to telecommute part of the time can help get creative juices flowing. If your company is condoning an environment of overworking employees, it may be time to take a step back and address that problem. Some people can’t come up with their best ideas at their desk-and plenty of rest is necessary for optimal performance and productivity. Creativity is an absolutely essential component in the innovation process, and teams need the opportunity to clear their minds and access creativity in their own way. If you’re firing on all cylinders all the time, burnout is inevitable-and it can easily be the death of creative thought. This role should be rotated at every meeting. Since this will be an expected occurrence, it will allow everyone to think critically and develop their own unique entrepreneurial skills. ![]() This person’s job will be to question and challenge the ideas provided. Think about having someone play the role of “Devil’s Advocate” at each meeting. If the most outspoken member of the group proposes an idea, and no one is willing to challenge them, the environment can quickly slide into the trap of groupthink, which stymies innovation and may prevent some of the best ideas from being presented. It occurs when everyone makes the unspoken decision to simply follow along with what the group thinks. Groupthink is an infamous killer of innovative ideas. Don’t get discouraged if you run into any of these common problems-you just have to be determined to prevent and work through them whenever possible! 1. Innovation efforts aren’t always simple and easy-and there are definitely some roadblocks that can come up along the way. Does it feel like your efforts in innovation lately have been…lackluster? Are you finding that your team just isn’t coming up with the great ideas you know they can produce? If your business is feeling stale and stagnant, you obviously want to know why, so you can make changes. ![]()
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