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Eight steps toward successful innovation

A human resources leader and innovation expert has said that businesses need to follow eight steps if they wish to become successful.

Wendy Moore, who has more than a decade’s experience working for a Toronto-based international HR consulting company, has called on business leaders to thrive during these tough times by welcoming change and go beyond the norm.

Firstly, have fun. Moore has claimed that remaining enthusiastic and innovative will turn an office into a productive environment because it is an enjoyable place to work.

Next she has suggested that companies and their personnel need to stretch themselves.  Moore has claimed that businesses should seek out new work which they may never have done and encourage employees to continually try to learn new skills. She also reminded companies not to stretch themselves too thin but said that they should always be examining new ways to expand their product base.

Thirdly Moore said that businesses should continually try new things. According to Moore “only through experimenting will new successes be developed”,  so encourage your employees to test out their own ideas.

Moore also claimed that businesses should look to expand their networks. She said they should look at who, beyond their teams, do they turn to for new ideas or advice. Your network maybe made up of partner companies or consumers but the larger it gets the more feedback you will have and the more successful you will be come.

Fifthly, look at things in new ways. If you make toys look at if they can be used in other ways – for example using playdough to help athletes grip or turning toy cars into fridge magnets. Challenging your own rules and welcoming different concepts will improve enthusiasm at your company and increase your number of products.

Next Moore said that companies should take risks. She reminded business leaders that there is often bigger risk in doing nothing or remaining stuck in your old ways than in making changes.

She also reminded leaders to stay confident. Company directors should have confidence in their own and their employees skills, ideas and potential.

Finally, Moore said that businesses should communicate their results. Make sure that you pass on your ideas and or concerns to the right people and make sure that message gets heard.

Also ensure you convey to consumers how your company and it’s products have improved. You need people to recognise your hard work so you can bare the fruits of it.

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