3 Innovation Killers in Action

Tactical Innovation involves the 3 C's and I think if we get a handle on these 3 we'll be in good shape moving forward with innovating ourselves out of whatever hole we're in. I like to say innovation is turning ideas into $'s, very practical. Fortunately, we don't innovate in a vacuum which is a good thing because we need the group environment to nurture, refine, test and explore our innovation process. I highly recommend Group Genius for some insight on this topic. Unfortunately, we innovate best with others which can be messy, time-consuming, non-linear. Here are 3 issues with regard to an effective innovation process:

• Culture- The #1 biggie and the worst innovation killer this side of the moon. Management and a culture that criticizes new thinking methods and a fail fast/cheap without judgement approach is doomed from the start. It probably begins with the management's attitude and goes downhill from there as good behavior is caught rather than taught.
• Communication- Are your departments like 2 samari warriors with drawn swords facing back to back with competing goals, visions, leadership or is it more like a relay race where the baton gets passed or worse (dropped) in transition. The old throw the design over the wall and see if manufacturing can make it scenario. If you don't identify with either of these 2, you probably are on your way with having a fair shot at innovation with your current group of folks.
  
• Collaboration- Who works well together? Who doesn't? Is there any joint effort between groups and not just individuals where the sum of the parts is seen as more valuable than the parts themselves. I'll even give you extra points if you have groups that cross departmental boundaries to solve problems.

Innovation processes, software tools, training programs etc. are meaningless without attacking the problems a lot of organizations face with the above. To have practical innovation, focus on evaluating the temperature of these 3 and address where failures have occurred in the past before you add innovation as the next flavor of the month.