Innovation framework
Two of the most powerful tools in business are the ability to create and innovate.
Two of the most powerful tools in business are the ability to create and innovate.
Many of the most successful organisations in the world were founded on the creation of a single product or service, but those that survived and grew developed a culture that harnessed the creativity of their employees to stay ahead of their competitors.
Some of the most well known people of the last 50 years have become famous because of their ability to introduce new products, services technology or environments that have changed the lives of millions of people.
Most people assume that creative and innovative thinking is a special gift, bestowed on a few people. Whilst people like Einstein, George Stephenson and James Dyson might seem extra special; this doesn?t mean that the skills and abilities they have demonstrated are rare; they?ve simply followed through a creative idea and brought it to reality ? an innovation.
Research shows us that the ability to generate creative and innovative ideas is a common gift that we all possess; it?s just that some of us don?t use it as well as we could.
So why don?t we see more creativity and innovation?
The problem is that whilst we have the ability to think in new ways, our minds are conditioned to think in set ways. Our response to what we see and experience now is based upon our experiences from the past. Whilst our experience can help us through repetitive tasks, it can blind us to different and better ways of working. This ultimately affects the performance of our organisations. Often the pressures of delivering to tight deadlines within rigorous quality control criteria can be enough to stifle creative and innovative thinking.
Many businesses now realise that they need to invest in their employee?s ability to work in innovative and creative ways, but all too often the ingrained culture of the organisation is working against them and this fails to free the mind.
Vast sums of money are spent on creativity training such as ?blue sky thinking? and ?thinking outside the box?. This isn?t because it has been badly thought through or poorly delivered; it is because the culture of the organisation doesn?t support creativity and innovation. As soon as the newly inspired learners return to work the environment brings them back into the old ways of working.
Some employers seem to be concerned that encouraging their workforce to be more creative encourages anarchy in the workplace, however if this approach is managed in a structured way then there can be real improvements in performance. This realisation led the Learning And Skills Council (West Yorkshire) to develop the Innovation framework.
Early piloting of the framework has taken place and we are now extending this work within West Yorkshire.
If you are a business with less than 250 employees based in West Yorkshire and creativity and innovation are on your agenda - then we are offering you an exciting opportunity to join us.
To find out more or arrange a visit please contact:
Denise Rangeley
Marketing Co-ordinator
Tel: 01759 373763
Email:
denise.rangeley@firstnet.co.uk