The following 3 blogs will talk about a few of the critical elements of creating a strong and meaningful Culture of Innovation (CofI). This 3 part blog series includes:

• Part I: The Culture of Innovation- An integrated process, people and product transformation.




• Part II: The Agents of Change: Agents, Enablers, Drivers of Change




• Part III: Necessity of breaking silos and integration for a true Culture of Innovation

Part I: To have a meaningful transformation (with results) to a Culture of Innovation we need a parallel and integrated transformation in Process, People AND Product.

When clients ask me to help them in only 1 or just 2 of these components, what they hear back from me is that it is not possible.

• In the ‘People’ element the intent is to focus on transforming the mindset from that of Delivery (predetermined, prescriptive and repetitive) to Innovation centric, which is a “What-if” experimental process.




• In the ‘Process’ element, we need to enable rapid prototyping, testing, trying of new ideas and not adhere to old-school rigid development models, allowing for a fast-fail, quick-learn vision to execution models.




• In the ‘Product’ element, we need to be open to expand our lens to not only new ways of architecting new products, but also to totally new products, or else we will never evolve.

All 3 need to happen in parallel. If we only innovate in products, but the supportive process is not there , it will fail. If the culture does not change but the process does, it will fail. You get the picture.

True story: And no, just because a CEO demands innovation, that does not build a Culture of Innovation. Frankly, it creates a state of anxiety and disarray. I have had CEO’s slam their fist into the table and saying: “I have told my senior staff that innovation is in my mission statement. I am furious as to why they are not acting on it.” As the tone of voice escalates, I have to remind this CEO and many others that unless they take the time and effort (and yes funding: See last blog) to support and nurture a true culture of innovation, they will fail. Those who listen, we end up having a great journey and the slamming of the fist turns into a huge high-five and cheers when new products are introduced. And, I have to remind the CEO that their actions has many negative consequences. Not only are they not transforming their culture to that of innovation but they are FAILING at inspiring their employees.

Inspiration= one the most important elements of the Culture of Innovation! Can you think of an un-inspired, highly innovative company?

Would love to hear your thoughts! How are these 3 elements working now in your company? What are your recommendations on how they ought to evolve? As active members of the Culture of Disruption (CofD), you can always ask these key questions as this is the only way to succeed building a true Culture of Innovation (CofI)!

Read Part II: The 3 Critical Elements of Enabling Change: Change Agents, Enablers and Drivers