“One of our values is Innovation”…no shit!

It’s no wonder that innovation has become a cornerstone of modern corporate values. Whether you’re a nimble startup or a Fortune 500 giant, most companies have a commitment to innovation in their mission statements. Often dismissed as a glossy catch-all, innovation is much more than a buzzword. It represents a company’s commitment to adapt, outpace competitors, and meet the ever-evolving demands of the market.

I’ve had the privilege of working in an award-winning, genuinely innovative culture and the benefits were palpable. There was a vibrant energy in the air, a strong sense of empowerment, dynamism and an enduring belief in what we could achieve — a sense of possibility that made every challenge an opportunity.

This environment not only instilled immense pride in its employees, but it also attracted and retained top-tier talent. And as a natural byproduct of this culture, success followed suit.

Of course, every business wants to be innovative. However, it's one thing to list innovation among your top corporate values — it's an entirely different challenge to truly live and breathe it every day.

Here’s six steps to cultivate a truly innovative culture:

1. Clarify the ‘Why’
   Understand and articulate why innovation matters—not just for the business but for every team member. Show how innovation applies across departments, whether in marketing, sales, finance, or HR. Remove the notion of innovation as an abstract ideal, and instead, embed it into everyday practices that drive tangible value.
2. Build Capability and Confidence
   Innovation is a process powered by creativity—the oil that keeps the engine running. Creativity isn’t an innate trait; it can be developed through training and support. Equip your team with the permission, skills, and energy needed to inject creative thinking into their daily tasks, ensuring innovation follows naturally.
3. Foster an Innovative Mindset
   Embracing innovation requires a departure from traditional business attitudes. Leaders must have the courage to prioritize and model innovative behaviours daily. When management "walks the talk," it sets a powerful example that permeates the entire organization.
4. Encourage Experimentation
   Move beyond endless debates by fostering a culture of experimentation. Empower teams to try new ideas—big or small—test what works, learn from what doesn’t and iterate rapidly. This approach not only reduces risk but also infuses energy and momentum into the organization.
5. Celebrate Both Successes and Failures
   Recognize and communicate both victories and setbacks. Celebrating successes inspires confidence, while acknowledging failures provides valuable learning opportunities. This balanced approach builds social proof that innovation is a continuous, valued effort throughout the business.
6. Stay Relentless – Be the ‘Dog with a Bone’
   Innovation isn’t a monthly fad—it’s an ongoing commitment. Stay relentless, continuously refine your processes, and be willing to evolve and learn. This unwavering dedication transforms innovation from a buzzword into a way of working that drives long-term success.

If you want to make Innovation a core capability for your team, we can help by creating fun, interactive experiences to make your people feel capable of injecting killer thinking into any situation.  

Check out our innovation workshops here.

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