MODERN LEADERSHIP
Five ways to create a
culture of innovation
By Amantha Imber
D
oes your business have a
culture in which innovation
thrives? Are people
challenging the status quo and
being encouraged by leaders to take
risks in pursuit of innovation? Or is
the opposite true, whereby people
don’t take time to listen to new
ideas and suggestions? Building a
culture of innovation is hard work.
However, the scientific research
into how to create a culture where
innovation thrives is both plentiful
and precise. Following are five of
the most impactful drivers of an
38 ModernBusiness
April 2016
innovation culture.
1
Challenge – and finding the
right level of it
Research has shown that feeling
a strong sense of challenge in
one’s work is a critical driver of
innovation. Challenge refers to
people working on tasks that are
complex and interesting — yet at
the same time not overly taxing
or unduly overwhelming. It is
important that you don’t simply
think about how to give people
the biggest possible challenge.
Instead you should ensure that the
level of challenge you set is one
that is achievable. On the flip side,
setting tasks that people are able to
complete with their eyes closed will
not breed a culture where innovation
thrives. Matching the level of
challenge to an individual’s skill level
is key to finding the optimal level
of challenge. As a manager, take
time to thoughtfully consider how
you allocate tasks and projects to
people. Ensure that you are matching
these elements so that people feel a
significant sense of challenge.