Customer Problem
Innovation doesn’t start with an idea, it starts with a problem. A customer problem.
And finding the right customer problems for innovation requires two things: firstly, customer closeness and secondly, curiosity.
KLT - Know Like and Trust
You need to have set behaviours and values and a culture of innovation .... people need to feel safe to take risks and share their views.... it’s ok to fail as long as their is TRUST in the team .
Learner
Given the unpredictability of innovation, being a learner is key. The path to innovation success can be bumpy and will likely include many failures along the way. Failure needs to be seen as an opportunity to build m knowledge and understanding. Learners are likely to explore more disruptive solutions and tend to be more resilient in the face of failure.
Ability to Pivot
Ability to Pivot - innovation comes with ambiguity so innovators need to be flexible - willing to pivot, change paths, course correct and explore different solutions.
Diversity and Collaboration is key
Innovation needs diversity , collaboration and intersectionality. Create forums and meetings which encourage cross-functional collaboration and help to build your team’s network.