The document summarizes a study on the best companies for leadership in 2011. It found that these companies followed four practices to support meaningful innovation: 1) creating a culture of innovation that invites new ideas, 2) enabling organizational agility, 3) setting the stage for innovation by discussing customer needs, and 4) focusing on collaboration. Effective leadership is also key to driving innovation by clarifying strategies and eliciting ideas from diverse teams.
3. Broaden perspectives
Different ways of thinking are essential to
innovation. The best companies pursue multiple
strategies to incorporate different perspectives
in the workforce.
n hey create room for new ideas, and look for
T n They engage the next generation, who value
them everywhere in their organizations. sustainability and bring their ideals to work.
n They value differences, and seek cultural,
n They deliberately seek to expand their
ethnic and national diversity in their workforce. employees’ capabilities and professional
experiences.
A wider net, a broader view n Top 20 n All companies
My company provides structured opportunities
for younger employees to promote innovative
new ideas.
My company actively recruits cultural minorities.
Leaders in my organization work hard to connect
people with projects that are personally meaningful
to them.
Employees are encouraged to learn in areas outside
of their expertise.
0 20 40 60 80 100
Focus on collaboration
If different perspectives are the raw materials They emphasize close collaboration among leaders
of innovation, collaboration is the process in different parts of their organization, and take
that brings them together. Accordingly, prompt action when leaders are not collaborating.
the best companies do not merely preach Just as importantly, they reward collaboration,
collaboration: they virtually require it. incorporating team-based measures in their
incentive plans.
Putting teeth in collaboration n Top 20 n All companies
My company evaluates and rewards our leaders
based on their ability to build excellent relationships
with their peers.
My company takes clear action when a leader is
not collaborating (even if he/she has strong
business results).
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