Creating a Culture of Innovation: Keys To A Successful Business

Please attribute to Alexander Rauser, Chief Executive Officer, Prototype.

Innovation is a fancy word. It sounds like fun, and it’s important, but how do you actually do it? 
Answer: innovation needs to be planned and part of your organization’s culture.

In order to stay competitive and ahead of the curve, your business will need to innovate. It is vital to keep in mind that if you really want to innovate, you need to improve continuously. The better you become at this, the more you can innovate, and the greater your chances are to make a real difference at some point.

Often, we are too busy trying to keep things running the way they are, that we forget to explore new ways to achieve the results in a more efficient manner. 

Here are some ways you can create a company culture that fosters innovation:

Do Things In a Different Way
Set up a team that explores the current state and comes up with new ideas and concepts on how to change them, this will help you create innovation for your business. 

Share Information and Make Data Accessible
In an ideal scenario, a company would create a culture of innovation that provides employees with the tools, freedom, and commitment to innovate. Thus, share as much information possible with your employees on what the company is trying to achieve or solve. This could help in a way where innovation can occur spontaneously. 

Bring Teams Closer to the Customer
There are usually multiple layers of communication when it comes to interaction of customers and companies. However, in order to increase innovation you can bring various teams closer to the customer. This will help them understand the customers’ needs without any communication filters in between. 

Innovate Gradually
In many cases, aiming too high at the start and focusing only on instant fame for your brand might end in disappointment. Thus, experiment and improve products over time - this will enable you to reach your target of innovation. 

Keep it Lean
Keep in mind that working with smaller teams that have a strong focus on solving a particular problem is far more efficient that working with larger teams with less focus and determination. The main idea is to create a minimum viable product and to avoid using a complex, integrated solution. 

Moreover, it is important to create an environment where team members can innovate without feeling pressured about the success or failure of their attempts.

This can be achieved by creating an environment where your team is willing to take calculated risks and try out new things. This requires open minded managers who give room for innovation by simply enabling change.