"Culture is like dropping Alka-Seltzer into water...you don't really see it, but something happens" - Hans Magnus Enzensberger

One of the things that struck me as most curious in my visit to 3M last year was the seemingly absent "process" of innovation as they went about their work of developing innovative products and services.  Few will argue against the fact that 3M is one of the preeminent innovators in the marketplace today.  They spend millions on research, development and prototyping and get a decent bang for their buck.  But nowhere will you see a process map of "how" innovation is supposed to happen.  Nowhere is there a policy or procedure book to turn to when you want to innovate.  Something just happens.  Innovation just happens. 

As someone who makes a living working with organizations to develop processes and tools around increasing their innovation management maturity, you can imagine my interest.  And because that curiosity intrigued me so much, I have been on the lookout for additional examples.  Since then, I've come across other clear examples of breakthrough innovation that seem to just "pop up" within organizations.  Companies like Apple, Disney/Pixar, Google, Facebook, etc. 

So what do these organizations have in common?  Why does innovation just seem to happen?

• All have a strong central leader who not only understands innovation, but really lives it and promotes it
• All have a culture of innovation that is pervasive throughout the organization
  • Risks are encouraged, explored and managed
  • Failures are viewed as learning experiences
  • Prototyping or mock-ups are encouraged
  • Time is allowed for exploration
• All have excellent collaboration/communication channels within the organization
• All have a very strong connection with (and understanding of) their customers and potential customers

If you are an organization who struggles to convert ideas into innovative products/services, it can almost seem unfair that the companies mentioned above make it look so easy.  Having been on the inside of a couple of these companies, I can tell you that it isn't as easy as it looks, but its also shouldn't be an insurmountable barrier for others to try. 

Quite frankly, what these organizations have figured out is how to support and encourage a strong culture of innovation.  They have followed the key supporting attributes above for so long that it has simply become ingrained in their daily operation.  They don't talk about innovation, they just do it.  Most actually do have a process for innovation, and yes...it is even documented.  But again, they have found the optimum balance of executive support, risk balance, engagement, research and resources to make it work effectively and efficiently.  They have matured to the highest level of innovation management maturity...continuous innovation.

So take heart if you continue to struggle with your innovation initiatives.  You are not alone!  You are also not the first to pass this way!  All of the organizations you hold up as shining examples of innovation excellence all started at the beginning...just like you!  You too can put into place the building blocks of an innovation management system, mature that system over time and reap the rewards and we want to help you!