ALIGNMENT
Rule 1:
ALIGN YOUR COMPANY STRATEGY AND INNOVATION GOALS TO DRIVE QUALITY AND ACCEPTANCE
Asking for ideas without providing direction is like trying to cross the ocean without a compass. Of course, one such unguided effort discovered America, but most compass-less attempts ended shipwrecked on the rocks. Your company won't benefit from unaligned ideas. No matter how fantastic the idea is, if it doesn't align with the business strategy, there won't be enough cultural readiness to realize it.
The full article explains how alignment forms the connection between your innovation program and your company, and its influence on the submission quality and acceptance of your program's ideas.
Asking for ideas without providing direction is like trying to cross the ocean without a compass.
Roel de Vries, Innovation Management Expert
Video:
COFFEE BREAK WEBINAR
We originally published the “10 Rules” as a series of blog posts and asked our readers to submit their questions. We answered those questions in several short “Coffee Break” videos, which you can watch in the time it takes to enjoy your coffee, tea, or wine (hey, we don't judge your beverage choices!).
The first "Coffee Break" video answers questions on Alignment (Rule 1), Management Support (Rule 2), and Sponsorship (Rule 3). Check it out!
TAKE-AWAYS
1.
Formulate a definition of what “innovation” means in your company
2.
Inform your idea-generating crowd on what kind of input you're looking for
3.
Align your company’s employee targets with your (new) innovation goals
Related content:
MORE ON ALIGNMENT
Over the years, many bright authors have shared their voice on the topic of Alignment on the HYPE website. Here are our top three publications.
It ought to be remembered that there is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.
Niccolò Machiavelli, philosopher
Music:
THE INNOVATION MANAGER'S PLAYLIST
Mr. Big Stuff
Jean Knight
Don't let them hold you back, pick your battles and convince skeptics later on!
Wannabe
Spice Girls
Tell me what you really, really want…to make a real impact (and 'zig-a-zig-ah').
Wicked Game
Chris Isaak
Decide what kinds of solutions you're looking for before you shout out for ideas!
Questions?
WE'RE HERE TO HELP!
We hope you're finding value in the "10 Rules of Innovation Management" and will use these best practices to improve your program. At the same time, we understand that every company and innovation management program is different, and you may need a hand in implementing these learnings.
Enterprise Innovation Consultants
HYPE's Enterprise Innovation Consulting (EIC) team offers full support. Our EIC consultants focus on the people and processes that, next to a platform, are required to create real business value. From strategic planning to hands-on implementation and execution, our EIC team is there to help you succeed. Please leave your details, and we'll reach out to discuss your needs.
