The IOD featured an article in this month’s issue by Paul Sloan on ways to boost innovation in a company. The list is as follows:
1. Have a vision for change
2. Fight the fear of change
3. Think like a venture capitalist
4. Have a dynamic suggestion scheme
5. Break the rules
6. Give every one two Jobs (Key objectives)
7. Collaborate
8. Welcome failure
9. Build prototypes
10. Be passionate
I particular like the number 7: Collaborate. There is a lot of mileage to be had of working with people outside your own organisations. As they often can see what needs to be done. While managers argue about the best way forward, an outsider can give real direction especially if he has done it himself.