By Jatin DeSai
I believe innovation arises from ideas. Ideas are revealed when one applies a process of being creative. Creativity in one's job is shaped by an individual's engagement and commitment to one's work, which is directly influenced by one's personal values and the company's organizational values. That being said, in my 25+ years of experience, I have concluded that the single biggest deterrent, and at the same time the single biggest enabler of organizational innovation, is the propensity for risk-taking. Creativity is the principle process leading to ideas, while risk-taking is the process designed to apply ideas that generate results. Creativity is something that naturally springs from people, while risk-taking is something dictated by the organizational culture where they work. In other words, creativity can be enabled by the employee, while risk-taking can be enabled by the employer.
One without the other cannot easily create innovation; certainly nothing strategic.
Innovation or change itself derives from motivation. Motivation is the product of passion. Love and fear are two sides of the same coin, as both give rise to passion although love can be seen as a positive force for passion, and fear a negative force. Great innovation leaders figured out long ago that innovation arises from one's (or the team's) deep passion for something much bigger than themselves. These leaders learned how to create "drive" as a positive force for themselves as well as for their teams. We call this Design Thinking.
When an organization taps into the collective pool of Design Thinking, they unleash Intrapreneurship for all.
Practicing Intrapreneurs using Design Thinking, are the best sources for Innovation. The first step we strongly recommend is to learn to see "with a new lens" – which is easier said than done.
Without motivation, permanent change cannot occur.
Without change, nothing new can be innovated.
Developing a New Lens – 11 Practical Idea to find Innovation.
1. Think when you are not thinking. For example, try going on a run or a walk, cooking at home, cleaning the house, doing yard work, or asking yourself questions to stimulate
curiosity and creativity.
a. Who? Is the Actor or Agent
b. What? Is the Action required
c. When? Is the right Time or Timing
d. Where? Is the Location, Scene or Source
e. Why? Is this needed
f. How? By what Agency or Method
2. Listen to Classical music. Recent studies reveal a molecular basis for the "Mozart Effect," but not other music. Mozart, can relieve stress, improve communication and increase efficiency. Creativity scores soar when listening to Mozart.
3. Read Periodicals you would not typically read. For example, read a scientific magazine if you are more interested in business, or choose books outside your typical
genre to help generate Diverse Thinking, which has proven to be a critical competency in the creative process.
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