"Very few leaders know how to achieve a sustainable culture that supports innovation and creativity."

So concludes independent research of Western Australian businesses conducted by the Applied Innovation Centre.

Many organisations have an innovation statement in their strategic plan. Some have implemented single components of innovation such as an ideas management system or innovation education. A few understand the nature of innovation, but mainly concentrate on attempts to develop innovative products.

Very few can guarantee a culture that supports innovation and creativity.

Most organisations have high level vision, values and strategies which are cascaded throughout the organisation into business plans and team goals.  There are KPIs and performance is measured.

However, many leaders don’t apply this to empowering creativity, innovation and final decision-making throughout their organisations.

How to guarantee a culture of innovation and creativity

Focus on the 4Ps®: Innovative products or services require creative, progressive people and a structured, supportive process all operating within the press or environment (internal and external) that supports innovation.

Create an innovation vision, values and strategy: Like any business strategy, innovative organisations have a vision for innovation and supporting values. They use a structured approach and make these real by cascading them into strategy, business plans and team work.

Make it easy to collect ideas: A great ideas management system captures and helps ideas germinate, and supports the team to develop them into possible solutions.

AIC is partnering with Nectir to provide our clients with the best Ideas Management system to use in their journey towards a sustainable culture that supports innovation.

The Nectir ideas management system is an exciting and collaborative way to help align your innovative ideas with your strategic direction.

Leaders - Model the way: True innovative leaders engage with their people, encourage exploration and creativity, and allow freedom in decision making.

Inspire and educate your people to use their creativity: Involve them in highly engaging workshops to enhance their creativity. Furthermore, train your leaders to build creative collaboration.

Innovative Organisations

For a good understanding of where your organisation should be heading, innovative organisations:

• Create, implement and measure their innovation strategy
• Value, capture and pilot unusual and new ideas
• Create a climate where people can make and learn from mistakes
• See problems as opportunities to be creative and apply innovative solutions
• Have leaders who empower their people and support the innovation strategy

Innovation is a process. It will take time to embed such a culture, but once the strategies are in place, your organisation will thrive in creativity in its products and its people.

If you would like further information in taking steps in the right direction, you are more than welcome to view our 10 Step Strategy in the Business Creativity and Innovation Framework.