Innovations are the backbone of any successful company. And every company that wants to drive their company forward must be open to using innovation as a tool to achieve that. So, companies should also invest in their innovation channel beyond economic and operational effectiveness.
As expected, every employee should know their way around their role. For example, a software engineer should code, and an accountant should know about finances and calculations. But all these alone are not enough for a company that wants organic growth. Employees should be more innovative by being creative and thinking outside the box. According to the ‘Creativity and Innovation’ poll, 92% of MENA respondents say that their job requires creativity and innovation.
In fact, keeping the innovation culture in your company alive is crucial to your company's growth. In addition, promoting a culture of innovation will also set you above your competitors.
Check out these six ways that can maintain your company's innovation culture:
One of the reasons why workers don't talk about their ideas is the reaction they will get from you. Let your employees know that you always want to hear their opinions. Make yourself accessible. This is the first step to encouraging innovations. Make them understand the importance of innovations and how they can give you the edge over your competitors but do not put unnecessary pressure on them.
If you want to keep the innovation culture in your company alive, employ passionate workers. When your workers love what they are doing, they will be more innovative. In addition, if your employees believe in your company, they will be excited to watch it grow, and they will come up with more ways to help it succeed.
Your workers will only be innovative when they feel connected with your company. And that can't be achieved by shutting them out. Let them in on the planning and building of strategies you use and the challenges you face as a company, then ask for their ideas and input. They will urge to see every project through by involving them in the process. Doing this will also motivate them to develop ideas that will push the company forward.
As a leader, you have to lead by your examples. Doing this will go a long way in motivating your employee to be innovative. You also have to accept and own your own mistakes. When your workers see that you are not infallible, they will be freer to open up about their suggestions. Innovation and significant process improvement will also initiate on their own. To keep innovation culture alive in your company, you need to learn how to take the lead. Your employees will follow in your step naturally.
According to the ‘Creativity and Innovation’ poll, 86% of MENA respondents agree that their direct manager values creativity and innovation. You can encourage innovation in your company by recognizing your workers' efforts and their innovations. If you have workers who constantly supply ideas or put in the efforts, always reward them. Your rewards don't necessarily have to be expensive. You can give them a shout-out after a meeting, a custom-made card thanking them for their supportive ideas, and other inexpensive gifts.
Failure is a part of growth. So, do not blame if your employees come up with an idea that didn't work out well. Instead, let them know that their efforts and the risk taken are appreciated. Risks must be a welcome part of any new project you want to venture into. So, if you take risks and it fails, recognize that failure is also a part of the process.
Final Thoughts
Finally, know the skill sets of your employees. If they need training or advanced education, invest in them. Empowering your employees with current tools and technology is vital to innovations. When you invest in them, their ability will be enhanced, and your company will be a fertile ground for innovative ideas.
