Making innovation happen.I want to respond to your ideas about innovation ("Editor's Note Editor's Note (foaled in 1993 in Kentucky) is an American thoroughbred Stallion racehorse. He was sired by 1992 U.S. Champion 2 YO Colt Forty Niner, who in turn was a son of Champion sire Mr. Prospector and out of the mare, Beware Of The Cat. Trained by D. ," November 2005) and what there is still to be learned. As a fan of innovation, I have seen many organizations stunted stunt 1 tr.v. stunt·ed, stunt·ing, stunts To check the growth or development of. n. 1. One that stunts. 2. One that is stunted. 3. because their people are not ready to let go of the old. There is a fear factor in beginning something new and having to change what they know and do. Many people start a job learning and growing and then hit a place that is comfortable. Then they innovate in·no·vate v. in·no·vat·ed, in·no·vat·ing, in·no·vates v.tr. To begin or introduce (something new) for or as if for the first time. v.intr. To begin or introduce something new. in other ways--start a family, hobbies, etc.--and lose interest in growing their skills in the workplace. This creates a stagnant stagnant /stag·nant/ (stag´nant) 1. motionless; not flowing or moving. 2. inactive; not developing or progressing. atmosphere where innovators innovators people who will try new things. early innovators important figures in the farming or client community because they are the leaders in the introduction of new techniques and management systems. are less than likely to stay or succeed, as innovation requires a team effort. Also, some leaders have developed egos that are so dependent on the current system that they will fight to maintain it and look for ways to sabatoge the changes that are necessary to move an organization forward. A top performer is not necessarily an innovator. He or she will give you suggestions on how to make the existing system better, but remember, they like it the way it is because they are succeeding in the current system. The pain is not as great for them to innovate. There is an attitude of "Don't let it go until you have to." This is where accountability is critical. The company is not innovating if the majority of staff are not experiencing success. I would agree with you that innovation has more than one definition, however. It is the people who define it, and the sooner leadership can help employees see the value in change for not only the organization but for them personally, and help them feel secure in the process, the sooner they will gain the necessary followers followers see dairy herd. to make change happen. RESPONSES Couldn't agree with you more. But I would add the schools to the list of dummies. How many MBAs, business or accounting grads come out with any knowledge of letters of credit, licenses or even simple things like using chambers of commerce to make contacts overseas? I have manufactured overseas and we ship about 30 percent of our products offshore and import about 70 percent of our product content. All this in a $25 million company. I'm appalled at how ignorant many owner/CEOs, whom I meet socially, are in this area. Joe Eichberger CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. , AMT See vPro. Datasouth Camarillo, Calif. Brenda Vester Vice President Lee Hecht Harrison Pittsburgh, Pa. |
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