How Managers Create an Innovation Culture at Work

How Managers Create an Innovation Culture at WorkHow Managers Create an Innovation Culture at WorkA problem many managers have is sticking to one business practice for too long, even if it was driving profit in the past.Although it may sound logical, businesses today are required to change quickly.A 2016 study showed that 63% of consumers pay more attention to companies that offer new products. Additionally, 83% of customers will pay more for an innovative product. How do managers create teams with a culture of innovation to keep up with modern business demands?Learn how managers create a culture of innovation at work in this post.They apply the lean approach to innovationThe lean approach puts business model before business plans. It is a customer-centric approach that quickly eliminates waste and demands managers engage with customers and teams.Most importantly, it places emphasis on achieving perfection.Anyone who has worked in a large corporation knows the difficulty of being an innovative thinker in a company run as a bureaucracy.Corporate leaders who view rapid change as dangerous soon find out failing to innovate costs customers, jobs,and hurts company reputation.In 2014, the US discovered small and mid-sized companies stole 1% of market share from large enterprises.This may not sound like a lot, but consider 1% of 100 million dollars is more than enough to have a small, lean team with innovative business practices.They collaborate with everyonePretending technology in one industry cannot work in another leads to ignoring intelligent people outside your circle with valuable knowledge.Anyone who has attended a Tech Meetup or tech conference like CES knows all technology can be used across all industries.For example, virtual reality started off as video gaming gear. Now, it is in the early stages of being used in healthcare, retail, education, and more.Teams that collaborate with others get to learn how one innovative idea can be applied across industries. They get to know their customersTrue innovation starts with knowing your customers needs like the back of your hand.Managers who take the time to engage customers learn to stop judging them and start thinking like them.Managers who know their customers have an easier time discussing new ideas with teams.Here is a way to get to know your customersFrom Find My Profession experience, we know our clients and how they think. We know filling out job applications is a tedious task.Understanding this, we try and find new ways every day to help clients in more ways than filling out applications.We also know from client experiences how the largest corporations have the worst technology for applying to jobs online.Large corporations use outdated technology on application forms. It can take as long as 30 to 40 minutes to complete one job application.We cannot help all clients by trusting this one method alone. It takes engaging clients and learning what they experience.Finally, one of the curre nt staff is a former client of Find My Profession. The first-hand experience of going from job seeker to assisting job seekers offers customer perspectives that drive innovative thinking.