2. What does it mean to be
Innovative?
1: the introduction of something new, 2: a new idea,
method or device”. (Merriam-Webster.com, 2012)
the means by which the entrepreneur either creates
new wealth-producing resources or endows existing
resources with enhanced potential for creating
wealth.” (Drucker, 2002)
My Definition: Always
challenging the Status Quo.
3. How to Foster Innovation
Innovation has nothing to do with how many R&D dollars you
have... It's not about money. It's about the people you have,
how you're led, and how much you get it.
-Steve Jobs
ideas flow freely throughout the organization,
subversion is a virtue,
both success and failure are championed
rather than stating “it can’t be done,” people ask, “how
could we do this?”
(Jim Carroll, 2010)
4. Traits of Innovation Killers
People laugh at new ideas
Someone who identifies a problem is shunned
The phrase, “you can’t do that because we’ve always done it
this way” is used for every new idea
No one can remember the last time anyone did anything
really cool
People have convinced themselves that competing on price
is normal **
The organization is focused more on process than success
**Very Common in Small Business Marketing
Source: Jim Carroll http://www.jimcarroll.com/innovation-inspiration/the-innovation-killers/#.T02YXfEgf_M
5. Reject the Status QUO
Silence any one who says;
“We’ve always done it this way”
“It won’t work”
“That’s the dumbest thing I ever heard”
“That’s not my problem”
“You can’t do that”
“I don’t know how”
“I don’t think I can”
I didn’t know that”
“The boss won’t go for it”
“Why should I care?”
Source: Jim Carroll http://www.jimcarroll.com/innovation-inspiration/the-innovation-killers/#.T02YXfEgf_M
6. How to Stop “Innovation Killers” –
Creating a Corporate Culture
Forbid whining & complaining—
Make it a rule that an individual can’t propose barriers or
problems without simultaneously providing a possible
solution to each one.
Encourage “find a way” behavior –
Reward individuals who constructively identify ways to work
around potential problems.
Forbid standard innovation killer phrases –
don’t allow anyone to use “that will never work” phrases
during your meetings
Ban them —
Don’t allow negative individuals to participate in idea
generation meetings until their behavior changes.
Source: Sullivan, 2011
7. Management vs. Leadership
Management Leadership
(Transactional) (Transformational)
Process People
Facts Feelings
Intellectual Emotional
Head Heart
Position Power Persuasion Power
Control Commitment
Problem Solving Possibility Thinking
Reactive Proactive
Doing Things Right Doing the right thing
8. There is a Time & Place for Both
http://www.tlnt.com/2010/06/28/the-2020-leadership-model-for-tomorrow%E2%80%99s-workplace/
9. Leaders Foster Change
transformational leadership “raises leadership to the
next level” (Riggio & Bass 2009) by
stimulating and inspiring followers to both achieve
extraordinary outcomes
“your job as a leader isn’t to have all
the answers. It’s to facilitate people
to help you find the real answers.”
~Randy Dobbs
10. References
http://www.tlnt.com/2010/06/28/the-2020-leadership-model-for-
tomorrow%E2%80%99s-workplace/
Drucker, Peter F. (2002). The Discipline of Innovation. Harvard
Business Review, Aug2002, Vol. 80, Issue 8, DOI: 00178012.
Retrieved from EbscoHost
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/innovation
Sullivan, J. (2011) Identifying Innovation Killers — and the Top 25
“That Will Never Work” Excuses
http://www.drjohnsullivan.com/articles-mainmenu-
27/articles/hr-strategy-mainmenu-33/537-identifying-
innovation-killers-and-the-top-25-that-will-never-work-
excuses
Carroll, Jim (2010) The Innovation Killers.
http://www.jimcarroll.com/innovation-inspiration/the-
innovation-killers/
