This post really resonants with me. I think it’s because of the desire for so many company to create an innovation process at the expense of creating the freedom to innovate. I also sometimes fall into this trap.
In particular, these two paragraphs really capture the essence of innovative companies:
Unfortunately, when the addiction to systems and structures rules the day, an organization’s quest for a culture of innovation degenerates into nothing much more than a cult of innovation.
Organizations do not innovate. People innovate. Inspired people. Fascinated people. Creative people. Committed people. That’s where innovation begins. On the inside.
Systems and processes are fine. In fact, you need them to run a functioning company. I think where companies fall down is when they institute a layer of process that stifles creative people. The balance seems to be the happy medium between creative freedom and rigid process that makes repeatable products.
