A SHINY NEW TOY VERSUS A CONCEPT
Innovation labs can be a very exciting new shiny toy. Many companies have one, or have plans to create one, and there is certainly a lot of energy around what can be accomplished in an innovation lab. Regardless of the industry, a space dedicated to idea generation and concept development can lead to new or improved products, services, technologies and solutions. For our new innovation lab, we created a slick modern space in our corporate headquarters which was constructed in 1991, and features the exquisite brilliance of early 90s interior design (characterized, of course, by an abundance of teal paint).
So, the innovation lab - with its fresh new feel - clearly stood out as a focal point. But the message we repeatedly conveyed to employees was quite direct: Innovation is not a room. It’s a mindset that leverages methodical creativity to enable us to place the best wagers possible to compete and lead in a dynamic, customer-centric industry. The room is merely a creative space to help facilitate the end game – not an end game onto itself.
This message has resonated, evident in the changed tone of the questions. Lately, there have been more inquires like “How can I get involved?” “How do I share an innovative idea?” “How do I foster an innovative mindset on my team?” “What is our scope – how broadly can we envision?” When I saw this transition occur – from a focus on the space to a focus on our innovation mission and vision – I knew we had reached an initial breakthrough.
A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO INNOVATION
Most companies are innovating every day. If they weren’t, they likely wouldn’t have survived to this point. But we are learning that in order to make more than just marginal innovative gains, we need a bigger, more deliberate approach. Establishing a core innovation discipline – one that unearths the value of methodical creativity – with the best innovative candidates possible, enables us to harness the intellectual curiosity of our employees in a structured and focused way. There is a reason we use the term “methodical creativity,” although it seems like an oxymoron. Innovation is not just a few people sitting on bean bag chairs dreaming up the future.
It’s a structured way to take creative ideas, ensure they are developed to the fullest extent possible, confirm that they align with our overall mission and vision, and advance them with an understanding that some will succeed, and the rest provide us with a learning opportunity. This approach to innovation, along with a creative space to bring it all together, is the one that will enable us to continue to thrive in this dynamic industry.
So yes, an innovation lab can be incredible. But the innovation proposition goes far beyond a room. Listen to your employees and the questions they ask. When they start ignoring the room and asking about your process, you know you’re heading in the right direction for innovation to thrive in your company.