Share what you know with millions of people
Focus is the best place to turn what you know into remarkable content
0
How can large companies innovate when risk is not rewarded & doing the 'same old' is the standard?
Disruption and Innovation are extremely critical in large enterprises. Yet the Culture of Innovation does not exist and while there is tremedous capacity for innovation, disruption and innovation are frawned upon. Unlike entreprenuers, large company employees are focused in very narrow dimensions, the net which is loss on the part of the large company not being able to innovate! how do we start changing this pattern?
Events
- Dos and Don'ts of Small Business Marketing May 29 @ 11 am PT
- Lead Nurturing 202: The Next Generation May 31 @ 11 am PT
- The Tricks to Paid Media June 6 @ 11 am PT
- Display Advertising for Brand Awareness June 20 @ 11 am PT
Related Activity
2 Answers
Short answer: They can't. Longer answer: They can invent and patent innovation, and put the good new stuff on the shelf while doing business as close to the same old way as possible (see Kodak).
Sometimes, infrequently, it is possible to re-invent and re-energize a company in place (see Apple). But, the sad truth is that many of the dinosaurs have to die off to make way for better adapted and more nimble life forms.
it is possible to shrink down to a continuing core capability, giving up on growing and diversifying to lead into the future. Some level of elementary innovation may still be bequired to hold on to what's left (see US railroads). Then , there are those that defer innovation until it is too late, and run the very real risk of organizational death unless put on life support by government intervention (see US Postal Service).
Honestly, the best option for an innovative individual is to run like the wind away from the "we don't do things that way here" organization. Find an energetic new home that treasures change and innovation. Failing that, explore possibilities to lead your own entrepreneurial company. As a last resort, keep your head down, don't rock the boat, and stock up on Gentleman Jack to see you through the dark nights ahead.
Do I hear a little frustration in your question, Linda? ;)
In my experience, large corporations are people-heavy. The bigger the company, the more waste on overmanning. What you are asking can be accomplished, but not as an individual effort. Only a team, with a capable and motivated middle-management structure, can pull it off.
It happens by becoming team-efficient, accomplishing as a team the work at hand quickly and effectively, freeing up time for off the books "special projects".
This seldom happens once bureaucracy gains foothold, because it is contrary to ones desire to make acceptable busy-work and keep their job. However if the team is on board, knocking out the daily work quickly allows the team to quietly work on new projects. Once innovation begins to produce real results, executive management is much more likely to be open-minded, because the bottom line benefits. The bottom line IS what it is all about.
This played out last year at a local casino, with very positive results. While the 'old school boys' are still keeping the masses under their thumbs, the team that took the risk is now enjoying freedom to explore many new ideas.
The caveat here, Linda, is that heads will roll if the 'special projects' don't pay off.
Together, let's put the fun back into work!
Belldon Colme
belldoncolme@gmail.com
Answer This Question