7 Misconceptions of Innovation : Guest post by Ken Dunn, author of Greatest Prospector in the World

7 Misconceptions about Innovation

Although many large companies pride themselves on their innovation, small businesses often struggle with this concept because they do not understand it. Here are six commonly misconceived notions about innovation:

Innovation Is Too Costly

Contrary to popular belief, innovation does not have to be complicated or time-consuming. It can create a huge return for your company and should always be encouraged. Creativity is an office culture essential to breeding an innovative work environment.

My Company Is Not Big Enough

When we think of innovative companies, we often think of big names like Apple, Microsoft, etc. However, small businesses can actually innovate more efficiently. This is because they are generally more flexible, so implementing change is easier.

Innovation Isn’t Relevant to My Company

First of all, innovation is not exclusive to technology companies. Any type of business can benefit from innovation. Every company has a need for creativity. This is what keeps companies adaptable and relevant to the modern day and age.

There Is No System for Innovation

False! In fact, most businesses have a system for identifying creative ideas. Opportunity breeds innovation and the need for creative solutions.

Innovation Does Not Require Evaluation

When brainstorming creative ideas, you must evaluate each one and only take action on the best ones. It is also a good idea to obtain input from other departments to get an outside perspective, as well as a well-rounded collection of ideas.

Innovation Does Not Call For Celebration

Innovation can be fun! Celebrate creativity in the workplace. The more you celebrate thinking outside the box, the more innovative your company will be.

“If you look at history, innovation doesn’t come just from giving people incentives; it comes from creating environments where their ideas can connect.” – Steven Johnson