Maureen Rinkunas’ Post

"How can I build a strong innovation culture?" What if this was actually the wrong question?! When we use the word 'innovation', we automatically think about the project, the object, the gadget, the technology... But we forget that no innovation has ever been created without an INNOVATOR - someone who dared to do things differently, who took risks, who made it happen. So shouldn't we focus more on INNOVATOR Culture? And how do we actually build that? My perspective? ➡ Building INNOVATOR Culture is simply giving your team what they need to become champion innovators And what better tool for identifying those needs than the most famous 'needs model' on the planet - Maslow's hierarchy of needs! Here are some concrete questions & suggestions at each level - starting, of course, with the foundations at the bottom: PHYSIOLOGICAL ➡ have your team received training on foundational innovation skills? ➡ do they have key innovation tools & materials easily available in their workplace? ➡ do they have an easily accessible space where they can meet & work on projects whenever required? ➡ do they have a deep & direct understanding of consumers/customers? ➡ do they receive regular inspiration & stimulation from outside? SAFETY ➡ do they feel comfortable taking risks on innovation projects? ➡ do they feel comfortable sharing when projects are not going well? ➡ do senior stakeholders share examples of when their projects failed? LOVE / BELONGING ➡ do they have easy access to internal sponsors/mentors/coaches to actively support & guide them with their innovation projects? ➡ do you encourage them to connect with an external community of innovation peers in other organisations? ESTEEM ➡ do you visibly acknowledge, reward & celebrate the innovation behaviours that you want to see in the organisation? ➡ ... and not just at the end of projects, but on a daily & weekly basis? SELF-ACTUALISATION ➡ do you give visibility of an attractive & relevant career path for the peak-performing innovation leaders in your organisation? ➡ do you provide tailored training & coaching solutions to enable your innovation experts to continue to learn & grow? --- INNOVATOR Culture is not just built with words or big bang events - but rather smaller tangible actions, delivered frequently & consistently, the benefit of which will grow exponentially over time. Any more tips for building a strong INNOVATOR Culture? #innovator #innovation #howtoinnovate #corporateinnovation #innovationdevelopment #innovationmanagement #innovationculture #maslow #needs

There is a lot of talk about innovation culture and culture change inside large organizations to enable corporate innovation and transformation. 🚀 One idea that largely resonates with me: To change your company's culture, don't start by trying to change the culture ⛔ (for more context on this check out the article in the comments). Many companies fail in developing a conducive culture because they try to change culture directly - through speeches, corporate value discussions, training and change programs or direct intervention.  Culture is how a group does the things it does. It changes because people start doing things differently or start doing different things. The causality doesn’t go the other way. Therefore, in a company, you first need to change how the company is organized, managed, and led in light of its strategic goals. The goals themselves may need to change. A new culture then emerges as a byproduct of these changes. Culture gets changed by doing real work in line with the new strategy, a new governance model, business processes, or performance management systems. Not much happens from pure culture conversations because they don’t result in a clear idea of what needs to change and how it will be changed to reinforce key strategic priorities. This also seems to be backed by research. ✅ The bottom line can be underscored by a quote from Safi Bahcall: "Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast. Structure Eats Culture for Lunch." It summarizes nicely the fact that culture presents an emergent organizational property that can hardly be influenced directly, but is largely determined by an organizational structure at play. Open fire! 😀 I welcome other opinions. What's your perspective? Have a great weekend! Do you want to discuss future-proofing corporate innovation for your company? Please drop me a message! 

Is Your Company Stuck in "We've Always Done It This Way"? Innovation isn't just for startups or tech giants; it's crucial for any business aiming to stay relevant in today’s fast-paced market. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with several organizations where innovation is embedded in the culture. However, many traditional companies still face unique challenges in adopting innovative practices, often hindered by established routines and deep-rooted cultural norms. Here are strategies to help infuse a culture of innovation into any traditional corporate environment: 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆: Encourage employees to question the status quo and explore new ideas without the fear of failure. An environment where questions are welcomed is an environment ripe for innovation. 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀: Innovation thrives on diverse perspectives. Assemble teams from different departments, backgrounds, and experience levels to foster creative solutions and break down siloed thinking. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀: Make it easy for your team to innovate by providing access to the latest technologies, industry research, and creative spaces that encourage brainstorming and experimentation. 𝗥𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗿𝘀: Recognize and reward efforts to innovate, even when they don’t lead to immediate success. This can range from simple acknowledgments in team meetings to bonuses or promotions. 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗶𝗽𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲: Implement processes that allow ideas to be pitched, tested, and developed. Whether it’s a dedicated time each week for brainstorming or a company-wide innovation challenge, make sure there's a structured way to capture and pursue innovative ideas. 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲: Leadership must actively participate in and advocate for innovative practices. When leaders are involved in innovation initiatives, it signals to employees that their innovative efforts are valued. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: Promote a culture of lifelong learning and adaptability. Encourage employees to pursue continuous professional development and stay updated on industry trends and technological advancements. Fostering innovation in a traditional company starts with a shift in mindset—from top management down to every employee. It's about moving from a culture of "that’s not how we do things" to "what if we tried this?" I'd love to hear what actions your company has taken to embrace innovation - to break the mold and stay competitive.

🚀🧠 Are you truly fostering an innovative work environment? Let's dive deep into what it really means to cultivate creativity within your organization. 🌟💡 --- 🌟 Embracing Innovation: It's not just about introducing new technologies and tools; it's about creating a culture that encourages out-of-the-box thinking and experimentation. 🌟 **Encouraging Diverse Perspectives**: True innovation thrives when a variety of perspectives and voices are heard. Diversity isn't just a buzzword – it's a key ingredient for breakthrough ideas. 🌟 **Embracing Failure**: Failure isn't the end; it's a stepping stone towards innovation. Encouraging risk-taking and learning from mistakes is crucial for fostering a culture of innovation. 🌟 **Open Communication**: A closed-off workplace stifles creativity. Foster open communication channels where ideas can freely flow and be discussed without fear of judgment. 🌟 **Investing in Employee Development**: Empower your team through training and development opportunities. Investing in your employees' growth reaps innovative rewards. 🌟 **Celebrating Success**: Acknowledge and celebrate innovations, big or small. Recognizing and rewarding innovative efforts motivates teams to continue pushing boundaries. 🌟 **Creating Space for Creativity**: Provide physical and mental spaces that promote creativity. A conducive environment can spark the next groundbreaking idea. 🌟 **Collaboration is Key**: Break down silos and encourage cross-functional collaboration. Innovative solutions often arise when diverse skill sets come together. 🌟 **Customer-Centric Focus**: Innovation should always stem from a deep understanding of customers' needs and pain points. Keep the end-users at the center of your creative endeavors. 🌟 **Continuous Improvement**: Innovation is a journey, not a destination. Encourage a mindset of continuous improvement and adaptation to stay ahead of the curve. 🌟 **Embrace Change**: In today's fast-paced world, change is constant. Embrace change as an opportunity for growth and innovation, rather than a threat. 🌟 **Hardwire Innovation into Your DNA**: Make innovation a core value of your organization. Encourage every team member to embody the spirit of innovation in everything they do. 🌟 Are you ready to take your organization's innovation to the next level? Embrace these principles and watch your team soar to new heights of creativity and success. 💥🚀 #Innovation #CreativeCulture #FutureOfWork 🌟

Ever wonder why some companies continuously innovate and lead their markets while others struggle? Research reveals only 21% of companies achieve their innovation goals - with culture playing a pivotal role in driving or hindering innovation. But, when innovation is part of your corporate DNA, the question shifts from "if" to "when and how often" you'll disrupt the market. The concept of corporate culture might seem elusive, but it's crucial for innovation. This week on Forbes, I dive into 7 cultural blockers hindering your innovation efforts. Learn more about how your culture impacts innovation and what you can do about it. 

Do you know what fuels the success of top companies? It's more than just their products or services! Imagine a workplace where: ✔️ Creativity is stifled ✔️ Motivation wanes ✔️ Growth comes to a standstill Sounds like a nightmare, right? Now picture a future where: ↳ Ideas flow effortlessly ↳ Passion drives progress ↳ Innovation happens daily That's the power of a culture of continuous innovation. Developing a culture of continuous innovation is more than just a buzzword. It's about fostering an environment where creativity thrives. ➟ It's nurturing a mindset of constant improvement ➟ It's building a legacy of excellence ➟ It's gaining a competitive edge Why is this so crucial? Because innovation is your greatest differentiator. And small changes lead to monumental breakthroughs. ☑ Enhanced creativity ☑ Increased employee engagement ☑ Sustainable growth ☑ Market leadership Leaders, take note! You are the champions of innovation in your organization. You can drive change through: ✅Encouraging creative thinking ✅Supporting experimental projects ✅Recognizing innovative efforts Want to cultivate a culture of continuous innovation? Start by adopting these strategies: ⚫ Foster a Safe Environment for Ideas - Encourage open idea-sharing without judgment - Create innovation labs for experimentation ⚫ Provide Continuous Learning Opportunities - Offer workshops on creativity and innovation - Support attendance at industry conferences ⚫ Implement Agile Processes - Encourage iterative development - Promote rapid prototyping and testing ⚫ Recognize and Reward Innovation - Celebrate innovative ideas and successes - Provide incentives for creative solutions With these steps, you can transform your organization into an innovation powerhouse. It's not just beneficial for your employees. It's critical for your business's future. Let's build organizations that don't just keep up but lead the way! PS: How do you foster a culture of continuous innovation in your team? Happy Friday! #innovation #drminalchaudhry #drmeinalchaudhry #aakashhealthcare  #LinkedInNewsIndia —--------- For additional valuable content, follow me, Dr. Minal Chaudhry (Meinal). Remember to click the 🔔 icon to get notified about my upcoming posts.

This post educates on the significant role culture plays in fostering successful innovation. The article highlights the importance of three key pillars for cultivating an innovative culture: cognitive diversity, growth, and longevity. Emphasizing these pillars can pave the way for a thriving environment that nurtures creativity and forward-thinking strategies. #Innovation #Culture #Success

🌟 Igniting Innovation: Crafting a Culture of Creativity! In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, fostering innovation is not just beneficial—it’s imperative for survival and success. Here’s how you can cultivate an environment that nurtures creativity and innovation within your team or organization. 🌐 🔍 **Encourage Risk-Taking**: Innovation thrives in environments where taking calculated risks is encouraged. Empower your team by supporting risk-taking and viewing failures as learning opportunities. This approach helps to dismantle the fear of failure, which often stifles creative thinking and experimentation. 🔄 **Diversify Perspectives**: Bring together individuals from various backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences. Diversity fuels creativity by merging different viewpoints and ideas, leading to breakthrough innovations. Encourage cross-departmental collaboration to further enhance this effect. 🧠 **Create Space for Creativity**: Allocate time and resources for brainstorming and experimentation. This could be through scheduled innovation days, hackathons, or dedicated time blocks for exploring new ideas. Providing physical and temporal space for creativity is crucial in turning innovative concepts into reality. 🚀 Tasks: 1. This month, initiate an “Innovation Challenge” where team members can propose and work on projects outside of their regular responsibilities. 2. Organize a quarterly workshop or seminar that focuses on creative thinking and problem-solving techniques. 3. Implement a ‘no penalty for failure’ policy on certain projects to cultivate a more risk-tolerant culture. By encouraging risk-taking, diversifying perspectives, and creating space for creativity, you can foster a culture of innovation that not only adapts to change but drives it. This proactive approach ensures your organization remains competitive and relevant in the ever-changing business environment. #InnovationLeadership #CreativeCulture #BusinessTransformation 🌟

Fostering a Culture of #Innovation: 25 Key Questions for Leadership This comprehensive list explores various aspects of an innovative #culture, helping leadership assess their current approach and identify areas for improvement. 1.   What is our company's vision for innovation? How does it align with our overall #digitalstrategy? 2.   How do we measure the success of innovation efforts? Are these metrics clear and well communicated? 3.   Do we dedicate resources (budget, personnel, time) to support innovation initiatives? 4.   How do we identify and prioritize emerging trends and technologies that could impact our industry? 5.   Is there a formal innovation process in place? If so, how does it encourage #experimentation and #risk-taking? 6.   How do we ensure that innovative ideas are heard and considered, regardless of their source within the organization? 7.   Do employees have access to the #tools and technologies they need to experiment and develop new ideas? 8.   Are there opportunities for employees to develop their creative problem-solving #skills? 9.   Do we celebrate and reward failures that come from well-intentioned attempts at innovation? 10. How do we create a safe space for employees to share ideas, even if they are unconventional? 11. How do we encourage a culture of curiosity and continuous learning within the organization? 12. Do we actively promote diversity of thought and experience within our teams? 13. How do we break down silos between departments to foster #collaboration on innovative projects? 14. Do we recognize and reward employees who demonstrate innovative thinking and behavior? 15. How do we actively challenge the status quo and encourage employees to question "the way we've always done things"? 16. How do leaders communicate the importance of innovation to the entire organization? 17. Are there clear channels for employees to submit new ideas and receive feedback? 18. How do leaders provide constructive feedback on innovative ideas, even if they ultimately don't get implemented? 19. How do we share success stories of innovation within the organization to inspire others? 20. Do we celebrate and recognize innovative achievements publicly? 21. How do we measure and track employee sentiment towards innovation efforts within the organization? 22. How do we encourage cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing across the organization? 23. Do we provide opportunities for employees to learn from external experts and innovators? 24. Are there dedicated innovation labs or spaces where employees can brainstorm and prototype ideas? 25. How do we balance the need for innovation with the need for operational efficiency and #riskmanagement? Our tailored innovation strategies and programs propel your journey forward. Connect with us at Transform Partner now to supercharge your #transformation roadmap Image Source: Research Gate #TransformPartner – Your #DigitalTransformation Consultancy

25 Key Questions for leadership ⤵️