Innovation Culture = Σ Innovation Behaviors
Human behavior cannot be explained by itself, it has to be understood in terms of the system that we act in. We usually call this system a culture. To change the culture, we need to know what behaviors are currently in it, what drives those behaviors and what other behaviors we want instead.
From our extensive research and experience we have found that the following six behaviors are the most important for building a innovation culture that produce good results. To maximize output these behaviors vary over the AIM, THINK, DO phases of an innovation project and correspond to methods and tools linked to each phase. In AIM we reach to observe (empathizing with the user and learning about the current situation) and question (challenging status quo and current assumptions). In THINK associate (yes and-ing, combining ideas, random input) becomes important and we turn to experiment (prototyping, immersion, tear down) when moving into DO phase. Network (creating new contact points) and fail well (calculating risks, expose and learn from fails) are important during the entire project.
These six innovation behaviors are the basis of an innovation culture.
Curious about your capabilities?
“In a future of accelerated change, winners will build new methods on the fly, while losers are forced to follow outdated ones. This is only possible by understanding the behaviors used in each phase of innovation.”
How do I get started?
It is a three stage program driving change through a simple process mixed with methods based in social psychology. First we define the starting point, then we help you come up with and implement solutions that fit your organisation and lastly we analyse results and guard that the improvement stick and develop. For companies or departments between 50-400 people the first two stages takes 3-4 months.
Do you want to build a self playing piano for innovation in your company? Let us help you implement an innovation culture based on strong innovation behaviors.
Stage 1 - As-is
Understand current status in the 6 key behaviors through observations, surveys, analysis etc.
stage 2 - Implementation
Agile implementation of innovation behaviors, tools and methods. Open space, targeted small group sessions, culture champions, implementing in current innovation projects.
stage 3 - Sustain
Measure, follow up and develop.
Large Scale Intervention for innovation behaviors with Volvo
Where are we strong, where can we develop? What actions do we take on a personal, team and department level to change our innovation culture using key behaviors? These were all interesting questions that generated ideas and concepts that today drive change for Volvo Group Purchasing in their mission to build a successful innovation culture.