Radical Innovation

By: Gina Kellogg-Gardner, MAOL

So what’s the big deal about innovation anyway? The big deal is that new ideas, originality and the modernization of status quo is the survival guide for our new economy and global marketplace. Long are the days of systematically ran businesses having the competitive edge. Today, companies who think big picture, creatively respond to consumer needs and act entrepreneurial have the edge. In today’s economy companies have a choice – embrace radical innovation or fold.

How does a company embrace radical innovation? Leaders have to get savvy on multi-level collaboration, engage entry level employees in decision making and become immersed in consumer input. Leaders need to become expert visionaries, encourage employees to act on new ideas and foster a culture of creativity. Another key ingredient to radical innovation is talent. Aside from leadership, companies need to have a talent bench of creative souls – designers, consolers, storytellers and artists.

Most companies already have what it takes – employees who want to innovate and consumers who want new ideas. To move innovation forward, leaders need to promote a culture that actively connects consumers to the creative brilliance of employee’s.