Integrating Innovation and Process

Innovation and process — two important components of any successful business. Often, one is favored: Established companies can be heavily entrenched in processes, and conversely, start-ups rely on innovation. As a result, bridging the gap between innovation and process, for all types of businesses, becomes increasingly important. 

What Came First: The Chicken or the Egg?

Truly, it doesn’t matter whether innovation or process came first. The more beneficial question is: How do we continually integrate the chicken and the egg?

A business often starts with an idea; and as it grows, more and more structured processes are implemented. Many business people assume that innovation and process are diametrically opposed. Perhaps this is because their strengths often lie in one camp more than the other.

In general, as companies grow and scale, they are more beholden to a larger universe of customers, vendors, suppliers, etc. Standards and ways of interacting change. It’s important that the company maintain its credibility during growth cycles. This becomes particularly important as companies are subject to outside, non-negotiable regulations. 

It is possible to apply process in a way that doesn’t impact agility and innovation. The key is to look for ways to build a structure that fosters innovation and not simply apply process for process’ sake. For larger, more established companies that are used to operating in regulated environments, the challenge becomes embracing innovation while maintaining checks and balances. In this use case, the trick is understanding where innovation is impacted by an excessive process and where standards can be relaxed to promote ideation and quick turnaround.

During growth spurts, many business owners have trouble seeing the convergence of innovation and process. It is often challenging to adapt without outside assistance. 

It’s extremely helpful to have an experienced consultant come in and see things with fresh eyes — an outsider who can view all sides and make process adjustments while encouraging concurrent innovation.

Contact me today to get started!