Inspiration, Invitation, and Innovation
On this day in 1908, the first Model T rolled off of the assembly line at Ford’s Piquette Avenue production plant in Detroit. Before its production ceased in 1927, more than 15 million Model T cars would be produced, forever changing how our world moved, and what was possible for the common man. Henry Ford didn’t invent the automobile, but instead transformed it from an invention into an innovation that has profoundly shaped the world.
Innovators change things. They take ideas (sometimes their own and sometimes those of other people), and develop them in such a way that they become part of everyday life. Innovation requires self-confidence, a taste for taking risks, leadership ability, the space and safety to create, and a vision for what the future could be.
“If an organization values innovation, you can assume it’s safe to speak up with new ideas. Leaders will listen, and your voice matters.”
- Adam Grant
While we may not be changing the course of the world by making efficient transportation available to the masses, we can certainly inspire and invite innovation in the workplace to better serve our constituency, our leadership, our team members, and ourselves. A culture of innovation brings out the best in your team, and may very well be the defining characteristic that separates you from the pack as you pursue your career goals.
This week’s resources highlight the benefits of innovation in the workplace and provide some insight into creating a culture in which innovation flourishes.
The Psychology of Innovation: From Purpose to Gratitude “Understanding Key psychological factors of business will put you on a more fulfilling path to success and happiness.” Forbes | Kristopher Jones
The Benefits of Encouraging Creativity and Innovation in the Workplace “Creativity is essential for any organization if you want to keep your business moving forward.” Startup Nation | Catherine Plano
How Google Encourages Innovation Among its Employees “Ask the average person to name a company that does innovation well and Google will almost always come up. Here’s how they do it.”
Everyone Wants Innovation – Why is it so Persistently Hard to Find? “Examining barriers to innovation in business.” Forbes | Victor Lipman
Reality check time; if you’re in a leadership position, are you pushing yourself to innovate? Are you creating an inviting space for those that you lead to be inspired to innovate on behalf of the team? If you’re part of a team, are you content with the status quo, or are you pushing to be more, do more, and create more?
Let’s get together and make plans to inspire, invite, and innovate.
Cheers,
Jason Boaz, PGA
PGA Career Consultant
Illinois and Wisconsin Sections of the PGA of America
608.318.5355