Looking to the outside for innovation ideas is popular today—open Innovation, for example. In other words, we need good ideas, so let’s go outside and get some. Open innovation is great, and I advocate it. However, for outside input to take hold as meaningful innovation, there needs to be preparation on the inside of the organization first.
Mindset and Culture
First, each individual in the organization should share the innovation mindset. He or she should be responsible to seek and promote innovation opportunities within his or her area of influence. This does not mean that individuals are expected to sit and dream up ideas all day long. It does mean, however, that everyone should be sensitive to notice opportunities for innovation and to say something when they appear.
Innovation begins with individual mindset, then moves to collaborative culture; first inside, then outside.
In the New York subway system, anti-terrorism posters admonish straphangers, “If you see something, say something.” Attentive individuals are the first line of defense. The same goes for innovation.
Second, individuals sharing the innovation mindset are bound together in an innovation culture. There should be collaboration within a shared framework, with shared tools and processes, to accomplish innovative objectives in an orderly and systematic manner.
Inside and Outside
Once these two elements, innovation mindset and innovation culture, are in place, meaningful innovation activities can take place both inside the organization, as well as the outside.
Innovation begins with individual mindset, then moves to collaborative culture; first inside, then outside.
Summary:
First inside—individual mindset first, then collaboration, team, and culture
Then outside—individual looks to team, team looks to team, organization looks outside (including customer feedback and open innovation initiatives).
