|
By Jana M. Kemp
The process of innovation can be viewed as stages in a relay. Missing any one of the four stages can cause project failure or short-circuiting.
What are the four stages of innovation? I work with a model from Inscape Publishing called Innovate with C.A.R.E. because the model applies to the innovation stages and to people's styles as the process plays out.
First in any process is the Creation of an idea, approach, product or service. During this stage brainstorming, reaching for the sky, and imagining new possibilities and approaches is the goal.
Second is the Advancing of the created idea. Advancing is the selling of the idea, gathering of support, gaining of commitment and securing of buy-in that allows a project or idea to move forward. Brilliant ideas go nowhere unless a champion is found to move them forward.
Third is the Refining of the created and supported idea. In this stage, questions are asked, systems are reviewed, holes are poked in the idea and critiques are given. In this stage the idea and its champions may feel threatened because of the feedback and critiquing. Yet, without time spent on asking difficult questions an idea can move into execution so quickly that the quality of the finished product, idea or service falls short.
Finally, Execution or implementation of the idea must happen. Execution is getting the work done. It is not about killing the idea. Execution is giving life to the idea so that it can be successful.
Every idea and project moves from creating to being advanced to being refined and finally to execution. Sometimes the idea will move back and forth between advancing and refining because some refinements change the idea so much that new commitments, approvals and buy-in are needed before implementation can occur.
Do people have a natural preference for one of the stages? Yes. We each find a state of bliss, a state in which time seems to stand still, in different stages of the innovation process. I for instance discovered that I am in bliss when I can refine ideas. I'm happiest when I can ask questions, offer ideas, make suggestions, make networking connections and then hand-off the idea for implementation and ongoing maintenance.
Some individuals find bliss during the idea generation stage, others in the gathering of support and still others in the implementation of the idea. Without team members who are willing, capable and interested in performing the skills required by each of the four stages, projects fall flat. A great idea without buy-in, refinement and implementation dies. A great idea that everyone gets excited about but which no one is willing to do the work to make happen also dies.
The key to innovation success is to mind the process and invite team members who can effectively fulfill the needs of all four stages.
|
