It is impossible to argue that fresh, new ideas are necessary if you are going to start an innovation effort. With no ideas, in the end, you're left with no innovation at all. But the issue is that so many people forget it takes more than a great idea to create an innovation which can actually generate value.
Besides ideas, you also need to concentrate on execution. It is execution that turns ideas into real products, services and process improvements. And it is execution where the hard work starts.
Why is it people forget this important detail? The answer is the process of generating ideas is intrinsically creative. It is a fun process, and one gets a feeling of accomplishment just because you've dreamed up something unique. Almost everyone has had the experience of a major brainstorming session that's resulted in a full whiteboard: leaving the room, you feel you've accomplished something extraordinary.
Most of the time, the idea goes no further than the whiteboard. People get so satisfied with their idea and the work that went into dreaming it up they forget there's lots more to do. Then, when they discover that someone else has not only had the same idea, they've actually executed on it, the feelings of regret start. They wonder "Why didn't we do that?". No-one likes feeling like that.
The answer is a systematic focus on execution, and the best way to get that is an innovation program. An innovation program allows creative people to focus on ideas, whilst taking away the detail steps of turning those ideas into something practicable. Creating an innovation program isn't necessarily simple, but it is an investment that reaps significant and sustained rewards over time. And it is an investment many companies are making these days in order to ensure they remain competitive. - 32198
Besides ideas, you also need to concentrate on execution. It is execution that turns ideas into real products, services and process improvements. And it is execution where the hard work starts.
Why is it people forget this important detail? The answer is the process of generating ideas is intrinsically creative. It is a fun process, and one gets a feeling of accomplishment just because you've dreamed up something unique. Almost everyone has had the experience of a major brainstorming session that's resulted in a full whiteboard: leaving the room, you feel you've accomplished something extraordinary.
Most of the time, the idea goes no further than the whiteboard. People get so satisfied with their idea and the work that went into dreaming it up they forget there's lots more to do. Then, when they discover that someone else has not only had the same idea, they've actually executed on it, the feelings of regret start. They wonder "Why didn't we do that?". No-one likes feeling like that.
The answer is a systematic focus on execution, and the best way to get that is an innovation program. An innovation program allows creative people to focus on ideas, whilst taking away the detail steps of turning those ideas into something practicable. Creating an innovation program isn't necessarily simple, but it is an investment that reaps significant and sustained rewards over time. And it is an investment many companies are making these days in order to ensure they remain competitive. - 32198
About the Author:
Have you got a great idea? Many great ideas? If you want to execute with them, you should consider an innovation program. James Gardner's free online innovation book will tell you how to start.
