Peter Drucker once said: “Every organization has to prepare for the abandonment of everything it does.” Today, more than ever, the challenge of change is not only how fast to change, but how to look for innovative ways of doing things. It is not only how to get better. It’s how to get different.
Given the need for innovation, every business should find ways not only to facilitate, but to stimulate innovation. When I talk to leaders in organizations, most seem to recognize this need. Yet, many are puzzled by why they are not more successful with innovation. There is one huge barrier that, if taken down, could make the biggest difference for successful innovation. Do you know what it is?
In a poll conducted at the London Business School’s 9th annual Global Leadership Summit on May 23 2011, three quarters of business leaders polled think that bureaucracy within organizations is the biggest barrier to innovation.
That’s it!
It’s not money.
It’s not lack of creativity.
It’s not lack of talent.
It’s not lack of initiative.
It’s bureaucracy
If you want to help your organization take the lead on innovation, you have to destroy that barrier. You can do it with three simple actions:
- Reduce red tape
- Promote greater flexibility
- Inspire, coach, and give incentives to your teams
Think about how you could incorporate these things in the daily life of your organization. Remove the impediments and allow innovation to happen!
Share your thoughts
How can you help your organization tear down the bureaucracy barrier to innovation? What do you do to foster innovative thinking? Leave your answers in the Comments area below, and let’s get a conversation going.
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Photo by: BUSY