Innovation involves two stages'the generation of new ideas
and the implementation of the ideas. Meanwhile, creativity is considered to be
the first stage of innovation. While we know a lot about both, there's still
not a lot of research to guide leaders. The routes to team innovation are still
being developed. So, to help maximize creativity on your own team, understand
that the road to innovation isn't always as straightforward as we may have once
thought.
and the implementation of the ideas. Meanwhile, creativity is considered to be
the first stage of innovation. While we know a lot about both, there's still
not a lot of research to guide leaders. The routes to team innovation are still
being developed. So, to help maximize creativity on your own team, understand
that the road to innovation isn't always as straightforward as we may have once
thought.
According to Harvard
Business Review, here are some of the key things that
we do know contribute to innovation, based on a comprehensive meta-analysis:
Business Review, here are some of the key things that
we do know contribute to innovation, based on a comprehensive meta-analysis:
A vision. Teams
are more innovative when members have a common understanding of team objectives
and are committed to them. Clear and valued objectives can create meaning and
motivation for team members.
are more innovative when members have a common understanding of team objectives
and are committed to them. Clear and valued objectives can create meaning and
motivation for team members.
Goal interdependence.
Goal interdependence is the extent to which team members can meet their goals
only by having the other team members achieve their goals. You create goal
interdependence by setting objectives that must be achieved collectively and by
addressing issues, including feedback, as a team.
Goal interdependence is the extent to which team members can meet their goals
only by having the other team members achieve their goals. You create goal
interdependence by setting objectives that must be achieved collectively and by
addressing issues, including feedback, as a team.
Support. Teams
are more innovative when managers expect and approve of innovation, support
members when their attempts to innovate are not successful, and recognize and
reward new ideas and their implementation.
are more innovative when managers expect and approve of innovation, support
members when their attempts to innovate are not successful, and recognize and
reward new ideas and their implementation.
A task orientation. This
is a shared concern for excellence that stems from the compelling vision. Teams
with a task orientation set high performance standards, monitor their
performance and provide feedback.
is a shared concern for excellence that stems from the compelling vision. Teams
with a task orientation set high performance standards, monitor their
performance and provide feedback.
A cohesive team. Cohesion
represents commitment to the team and a desire to be part of the team.
Researchers see cohesion as creating a psychologically safe environment that
enables members to challenge each other.
represents commitment to the team and a desire to be part of the team.
Researchers see cohesion as creating a psychologically safe environment that
enables members to challenge each other.
Communication. Strong
internal communication allows for sharing knowledge and ideas, and creates a
safe environment for providing feedback. And, external communication fosters
innovation by learning from others and bringing new information into the team.
internal communication allows for sharing knowledge and ideas, and creates a
safe environment for providing feedback. And, external communication fosters
innovation by learning from others and bringing new information into the team.