5 Busted Innovation Myths
Innovation is the creative, driving force that keeps companies thriving. William Pollard once said, "Learning and innovation go hand in hand. The arrogance of success is to think that what you did yesterday will be sufficient for tomorrow." Whether it be in technology, finance, or manufacturing, companies that continue to learn, create, design, and innovate will be successful. With so much thought put into innovation, it is understandable that myths will exist. The following five myths about innovation I heard the most during my career, are busted using a variety of well-excepted truths:
Myth #1 - Only artists are innovative. While innovation requires some creativity, and artists are known to be very creative, there are so many other necessary components to innovation. Implementation and execution are two components that require a great deal of structure. That structure is actually a disadvantage for an artist, as they tend to be less structured in their thoughts and approach.
Myth #2 - Innovation takes a lot of time and money. This is one of the myths about innovation that couldn't be further from the truth. Technology and business magazines and blogs publish stories everyday about individuals and small businesses that successfully use innovation to come up with an amazing product or forward-thinking idea. Some of the best innovations are created in garages or basements with very simple, inexpensive materials in a very short amount of time.
Myth #3 - Knowing a lot of people is necessary to be innovative. This is false in so many ways and shows the misconception that exists between the act of innovation and the end product, which requires further development and marketing. Most people can name products or ideas that were created by a single person. Innovation doesn't require a team, an innovation leader, or a complicated process. It can be accomplished relatively easily by one person.
Myth #4 - Only the boss is innovative. Innovation is the responsibility of everyone in the department, not just the boss. Selling innovative ideas can be done by anyone as long as a few simple rules are followed. If the idea is being sold to the right person, at the right time, and in the right place, the innovation can be successful. When all employees feel that they hold stock in the success of the company, they will be innovative.
Myth #5 - Only new companies need to worry about innovation. This is one of the myths about innovation that successful companies laugh at. Companies that successfully use innovation understand how important it is for their longevity. If a company doesn't have innovation as one of their main focuses, it is probably because they are too busy worrying about other concerns like morale, payroll, or existing clients. Innovation is the one item that keeps successful companies at the top, whether they are new or veterans.
In order to find further proof that these items are truly myths, one just needs to read more about the top innovative companies. Many of these companies show the misconceptions and myths about innovation that exist and how to use innovation to their advantage. They are the top innovative companies in the world because they understand that yesterday's successes will not carry them forever. They know that they need to keep growing, reaching, and creating.
Every sector needs new ideas and new products. Whether it be business, politics, education, or technology, innovation is necessary. With calls for innovation all around us, what is needed to be innovative?
Remember that even the biggest ideas started out small. Innovation shouldn't be complex, rigid, or difficult (the best innovators would say that it actually needs to be the opposite of all of those things).
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