For many organizations, the sparks of creativity and innovation flicker and fizzle out only to return and fade out again. Why does this happen?
Many people believe innovative solutions come from a moment of epiphany. It’s the perseverance and follow-through on ideas that lead to true innovation. Epiphanies are more like flashes of sudden revelation or inspiration. They come upon us in a flash, but quickly lose steam in the absence of a culture of innovation and creative freedom.
Importance of a Positive Attitude
Over the years, I’ve witnessed the critical roles that not only diligence and perseverance play in successful innovation, but also the vital importance of a positive attitude. It takes diligence to overcome obstacles that have potential to stifle creativity and success. Perseverance keeps everyone engaged in the journey. But a positive outlook must be woven into all aspects of the discovery and development process to create a space where the innovative mindset can live.
Remember when the capital markets fell into deep crisis back in 2008? The world of venture capital, in the traditional sense, changed forever. My team and I had to resist the urge to buy into the negative thinking that bloomed out of that dark time. We maintained a positive, creative mindset and continued to focus on our mission. Through this, we avoided the fate of many other companies that closed their doors after the collapse.
Nurturing the Innovative Mindset
Everyone has ideas. Nothing happens with any of these if no one takes action and follows through on them. Innovators think differently than other people. They are the ones with the resourcefulness and outside-the-frame thinking that drives the innovative process. Organizations must nurture this innovative mindset by creating an environment where ideas and creativity can grow and gather momentum. A place where people don’t feel stifled and micro-managed.
The innovative mindset represents a priceless asset for both individuals and companies, so it’s important to protect it when pursuing opportunities. At Emergent, we welcome industry partners and innovative individuals who need to improve an existing technology or develop something completely new. But we select our partners with great care, making certain that they share our values and vision, which ensures we maintain the integrity of our culture. This gives our team the freedom to access their creative thinking and strategic experimentation to develop game-changing, innovative solutions. In other words, it protects the extraordinary innovative mindset we have at Emergent.
Without the mindset, true innovation cannot take place. The innovative mindset requires a positive attitude, relentless perseverance, and creative freedom. What do you want to build today?