Changing the way that we see the world and, in turn, the way we do things is hard to do. We ask ourselves questions, which may slow or stop our case for change, such as:

- Why change when it doesn’t look like things are broken?

- Isn’t change inherently risky to what we value?

- How can we assess the value of change?

- How would we start changing things?

The key to addressing these concerns is understanding that one must start with a low-risk change, no matter how small. This will get the ball rolling. You will know change when you see it.As well, it is important to realize that small changes can improve things without ‘betting the farm.’

For instance, one can start creating the environment for innovation by changing the way meetings are run.   Creating structured, ongoing dialogue around innovation will make it an ongoing organizational priority, and not just an item on a checklist.   Here are some suggestions:

- Reduce the duration of meetings and indicate that they are ‘standing only.’  

- At the same time, increase the frequency of meetings. Frame meetings as a way of having deeper interactions on an ongoing conversation or set of ideas.

- Alter the people that you invite to meetings. Include ‘outsiders’ in the conversation to get their fresh perspective.

Innovation may not be a revolutionary step in what you do. Yet it could just be the change that you were looking for.

Regards,

Jeremy

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Jeremy Nickerson, BASc, MBA

Director, Helix Commerce

www.helixcommerce.com