Following on from the first part of the article, Eric van Niekerk, Research Lead at Innocentrix, looks at two further steps that act as a guide on how to begin building a culture of innovation within your organisation.

3 - Communicate innovation

Innovation can still be a foreign topic to many, thus, understanding why innovation is important, and what it involves, is key in building a spirit of innovation. This may seem like a basic rule, but it is still one that is often overlooked or not given appropriate attention. You might have defined innovation for your organisation plus have an innovation strategy, but is this meaningful for the people on the ground? Do they understand how it is relevant to them and why they should bother? Innovation in one person’s mind might be radically different from the view of the person next to them. Are we on the same page, commonly working towards the same goal, and, by the way, when last did you review that definition and strategy?

Innovation is not about random creative output, and ultimately, an organisation’s innovation goals should align with their core business strategy. It is important for every employee to understand their role in the innovation drive of an organisation, and thus know how to contribute meaningfully. In this way, an organisation’s innovation intent is showcased. Understanding the motivation behind innovation, why it’s important, and how one can contribute, will demystify the concept of innovation for employees, making it a more approachable and manageable topic in the workplace.

To facilitate an open communication process, it is important to regularly communicate the state of innovation within the organisation. Inform employees of innovation progress, be it success or failure. This will allow members of the organisation to learn from the overall innovation experience, and to understand how their contributions affect the innovation drive. It will also show that innovation is an ongoing process, open for participation at all times.

Regular, open communication can bring innovation from an airy concept to a concrete reality as a real and impactful aspect of the organisation. Fostering an understanding of the innovation process throughout the organisation will encourage buy-in from employees, and will ensure that innovation is a topic that is alive in the conversations happening around the office.

4 - Involve employees

Tying in with properly communicated innovation goals means involving employees in the innovation process. Collaboration lies at the heart of innovation, this is what will ultimately lead to better results and deeper impact. This engagement can be facilitated by innovation management software, and can be encouraged through innovation rewards.

Highlighting the success of innovative employees, and showcasing innovation champions in an organisation, will humanise the concept of innovation. By rewarding human effort in a visible and sustainable way, the potential innovation power of an individual employee can be highlighted, encouraging other individuals to do the same. It is no secret that innovation reward programmes start leaning towards more recognition focused approaches. Consider the value of this to the modern knowledge worker and act accordingly.

In conclusion

It is important to remember that each organisation has a unique culture, maintained by a multitude of different factors. Building a culture for innovation takes time and persistence, understanding what works and what not for your organisation. The above steps should however, provide a guideline of where to start. Innovation should be an organisation-wide effort, driven by leaders and employees alike.

For some tips on what areas to focus on, be sure to check out the previous article in the Innovation Series.

Innocentrix is a South African based innovation business and technology services company that provides value to clients with world-leading innovation products and services. The Innocentrix approach enables true innovation that gets our clients to where they want to go. Our client innovation programmes and the Thinkubator approach to ecosystem engagement assists organisations to drive focused innovation outcomes that leads to real world solutions.

For more information on Innocentrix, and for a complete copy of the Innocentrix Innovation League Report, please visit www.innocentrix.co.za or contact eric@innocentrix.co.za.