Written by: Natalie Turner, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In 2006, I was a Design Thinking facilitator in a large research firm, responsible for insight generation, ideation, and proposition development to create new products and services for large multinationals and high-street brands. In these high-impact workshops, we would always succeed in coming up with great ideas! But I noticed many would get stuck in their organisations or never see the light of day. This got me thinking. Why can we generate and design ideas that address people’s needs, and then boom, things stop? Why is it that Design Thinking is not enough?
In my second Yes, You Can Innovate Conversation, Dr. Bettina von Stamm - innovation philosopher, prolific writer, and Founder of the Innovation Leadership Forum – and I had a lively and insightful discussion on this and other topics related to design thinking and sustainability.
We discussed various aspects of innovation and its role in today's world, touching on the importance of a holistic approach, understanding the specific context of organisations, and focusing on people and their involvement in the innovation process. We emphasised the need for innovation to have a purpose beyond just creating new things and highlighted the importance of diversity and sustainability.
We also discussed the concept of design thinking and its relationship with The Six 'I's® of Innovation, exploring how design thinking fits within the broader framework of innovation and why it is necessary but insufficient for driving innovation.
Our conversation also delved into the role of leadership in innovation, especially in a turbulent and uncertain world, emphasising the need for visionary leadership that embraces innovation and recognises its importance in navigating the challenges of a rapidly changing environment.
We briefly touched on the dark side of innovation and its potential risks and challenges. The need for a balanced approach to growth and innovation, considering the possible negative consequences and ensuring that innovation aligns with broader ethical and sustainable considerations.
Overall, our conversation highlighted the multifaceted nature of innovation, the importance of purpose-driven and sustainable approaches, and the role of visionary leadership in encouraging diversity and collaboration.
Six Top Tips:
Take a holistic approach: Innovation should be approached holistically, considering an organisation's specific context and needs. It is not just about creating new things but about understanding the broader purpose and impact we want to have.
Be people-centric: The involvement and engagement of people are crucial for successful innovation. It is not a solitary activity but a collaborative process with diverse perspectives and experiences.
Go beyond Design Thinking: It is an important, fundamental approach, but more is needed. Ensure you embrace issues pertaining to organisational culture and team development.
Stimulate visionary leadership: Leadership plays a critical role in driving innovation. Visionary leaders that recognise the importance of innovation can navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
Encourage middle managers: They have a significant role in evaluating and supporting innovative ideas and need to work in environments that encourage and foster innovative thinking. Diversity is critical to ensure broader perspectives.
Be aware of the dark side: It is essential to balance growth and its potential negative consequences and ensure that innovation strives towards a positive purpose and aligns with ethical and sustainable practices.
Watch the replay for the whole experience.
Natalie Turner, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Natalie is an experienced innovation specialist having spent over 25 years working as a corporate innovation director, a business consultant, and an entrepreneur. She has worked for and consulted with some of the world’s leading organisations including Cisco Systems, GSK, Edgewell, and the Singapore Government. The inventor of The Six ‘I’s® of Innovation and author of the Award-Winning Book, Yes, You Can Innovate, Natalie has made her passion for purpose and people-driven innovation practical as well as inspirational to elevate people’s thinking on not only what they can create, but how – the mind, skill sets and cultural environments – that make everyday innovation happen.
