Leadership Strategies that Contribute to an Organizational Culture of Innovation
Innovation isn’t something that just happens. Hiring the right people and embracing the latest technologies is a start, but there is more to it than that. If you look at the world’s most innovative companies, you see that innovation is a part of the company culture.
If a company is to excel at innovation, leadership needs to define it as a core element of the company ethos. Innovation needs to be encouraged at all levels, and employees need to know that leaders will be supportive when they make these efforts.
Most business leaders understand the importance of creativity in the workplace, but it can be difficult to build and sustain a company culture that promotes and inspires it. Here are five of the keys to developing a culture of innovation in the workplace.
The Right Goals for the Right People
You need to work with your employees to help them set the right goals. Assess the individual strengths and weaknesses of each team member and understand how each person works best within the context of the team. For example, for iOS app development, don’t assign a UX designer on tasks that pertain to UI. Make it clear what assignments and responsibilities each person has so they can use their specific skill set to complete it the most effectively.
When you understand how the team works you can set goals that will work well for the entity and for all of the individuals that come together to make the team. With each team member working where they fit best, they will have an easier time achieving goals.
Cross-Team Collaboration
When different teams come together to work on a project, it provides an opportunity for them to learn from each other. However, these interactions may not occur if they are not encouraged by company leadership.
Each team has its own set of tasks and objectives that they need to focus on, so it can be easy for individuals or entire teams to lose focus on the big picture. By removing the barriers that separate different teams and encouraging collaboration, you can create an atmosphere that will promote growth and innovation.
Give Recognition
Employees want to see the results of their work and they want to get recognition for the work that they do. If they are always in the office driving toward the next goal, it can be difficult for employees to see the results of their work. Alos, if they are not getting recognition, they might feel like their contributions are undervalued.
As a leader, you should make sure your employees see the results of their work, and you should give them the recognition that they deserve.
Make Innovation a Part of the Formal Agenda
Research from McKinsey shows that most managers want to build a culture of innovation in the workplace, but many of them do not understand the steps to take to build this culture. One step that is common among top innovators is that they make innovation a part of the formal agenda. This sends a signal and reinforces the value of innovation for managers and employees. In addition to that, leaders need to define the types of innovation that will lead to growth and add value to their business.
Encourage Your Risk-Takers
Part of innovation is trying new things and occasionally taking some risks. Innovators are not satisfied with their past successes or content to continue doing things the way they were always done. They seek out new challenges and reach for higher goals.
Taking risks means accepting the potential for failure, but you won’t inspire innovation if you are never willing to take a chance on something new. Let your employees know that you will be supportive of risk-taking. It will give them the confidence they need to strive for higher goals and to take the chances that lead to innovation.
It is up to company leaders to develop a culture that is friendly to innovation. If employees are not in the right position or feel like they do not have the support of management, they are unlikely to take the chances that will lead to innovation. You have to put the right people on the right projects, make innovation one of the core values you promote, and you have to show employees that you are willing to support them as they try new things and take on greater challenges.
Article by Rae Steinbach, sponsored by Y Media Labs
Rae is a graduate of Tufts University with a combined International Relations and Chinese degree. After spending time living and working abroad in China, she returned to NYC to pursue her career and continue curating quality content. Rae is passionate about travel, food, and writing, of course.
