5 Simple Ways to Spur Innovation While WFH
By Lisa Bodell for Forbes
Innovation activity in American companies decreased over the past year, based on a recent workplace study from Microsoft and BCG. Businesses typically make fewer risky investments during turbulent times, but the challenges of creating and collaborating remotely also contributed to the dip in innovation. With many companies bringing teams back to the office in fall, prioritizing innovation now is key to activating post-crisis growth.
As a CEO and author of a few leadership books, I’ve helped people at global organizations shift their cultures and mindsets toward innovation. And because employees take their cues from their leaders, I’ve guided executives toward translating their goals into productive behaviors. Below are five leadership habits designed to publicly elevate innovation as a priority in your organization.
1. Embed with R&D for one day each quarter. Do you understand how the innovation pipeline operates in your company? The former CEO of P&G, A.J. Lafley, was known for joining R&D meetings and for introducing employees to design thinking, which is now a core principle for P&G. Even in a remote era, the technology exists for you to take part in a day in the R&D life of your company. Establish this routine now and maintain it when work shifts to hybrid or in-person.