How big of a deal is creating an innovative workplace culture?
Consider these factoids on the importance of creativity and an innovative workplace culture pulled from various studies:
- “Creativity is the most important leadership quality, according to CEOs.” IBM Global CEO Study, “The Enterprise of the Future”
- “Seventy‐eight percent of Millennials were strongly influenced by how innovative a company was when deciding if they wanted to work there.” The Deloitte Millennial Survey, 2014
- “Employing a worker in a creative occupation is an innovation input in a similar manner to employing a scientist.” The Creative Economy Report, London School of Economics, 2008
Not surprisingly, we also think an innovative workplace culture is a pretty big deal, and we’re glad we’re not alone on that.
7 Keys to Creating an Innovative Workplace Culture
What constitutes an innovative workplace culture, i.e., one where people are able that to readily create fundamental, valuable improvements relative to the status quo?
Here are seven characteristics of innovative workplace cultures. They:
1. Provide Direction
Company leadership points the way and lets team members throughout the organization run with opportunities to innovate.
2. Invite Broad Participation
Diverse participants from varied levels and areas of the company, plus customers, outside experts, and other relevant parties are included in innovation efforts.
3. Meaningfully Engage and Involve Employees
Innovation team members receive training, structure, and access to opportunities that take best advantage of their knowledge and expertise to innovate.
4. Encourage Change
There's a continual push to challenge past strategies and anticipate what the future holds to increase the value delivered to important audiences.
5. Pursue Smart Possibilities
There are clear processes in place to explore, assess, and prioritize the best innovation opportunities and meaningfully propel the organization forward.
6. Stay Agile
Despite a quickly changing environment, there is a focus on what's most important for the organization’s success while embracing a willingness to change direction rapidly when necessary.
7. Celebrate Progress and Success
For all the fanfare about celebrating failures, an innovative workplace culture recognizes and celebrates trying and learning, progress and determination, AND success.
What would you add to or subtract from this list based on innovative workplace culture successes you’ve seen?
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