As I’ve discussed many times before, I’m confident that innovation is the key to sustained success in business. It cannot be simple coincidence that the top companies in the world are also the most innovative companies in the world. As a leader, you must create a culture of restless renewal that drives innovation and change in your organization.
Why do I say innovation and change? Because innovation – the creative process of re-evaluating ideas – is not enough to deliver success. If leaders don’t take the next step and test opportunities to evolve, then innovation is meaningless.
The pages of corporate failures are littered with stories of innovation that didn’t deliver change.
For example, did you know that now defunct KODAK invented the digital camera… in 1975? In fact, nearly every digital camera and smartphone in existence today relies on some form of KODAK’s patent for digital cameras. But rather than pursue a ground-breaking innovation, KODAK management passed on a segment-shattering change and stuck to film. While the company was innovative, the leadership lacked the vision to embrace change.
In my Twitter feed, I’ve collected a few more stories of continuous innovation this week, under the hashtag #restlessrenewal:
How Nick Saban’s process would change your business
A nice look behind the scenes at how Alabama Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban’s drive to lead innovation for his team helped build a the most elite organization in college football today (But still… #GoNoles!)
Chick-fil-A is making an unprecedented move to hook millennial moms
Chick-fil-A’s commitment to innovation extends to every guest touchpoint, even the drive-thru
This Is How The Patriots Dynasty Was Built
A great example of how innovation – and restless renewal – drove the Patriots to become a modern NFL dynasty