This book delivers a rigorous, data-based approach to building a culture of innovation in your organization. To make the extensive research and the data behind this book palatable and digestible, we have intentionally packaged the information in an engaging story format. The book begins with the story of Peter and David, two friends who find themselves in diametrically opposite business predicaments due to the Covid pandemic, because of differences in innovation culture. Their story is layered and complex—it’s a tale of frustration, friendship, rivalry, and respect. An innovation consultant, Laura, could be a beacon of hope. But is she able to help? We invite you to read on to find out.
We use the story of Peter, David and Laura, as it unfolds, to layer in an exegesis of the 11 dimensions of innovation culture. We explain the extensive research that went into a diagnostic tool for measuring innovation culture called the InnoQ™ and describe how it can be used to improve innovation culture. We share real world data showing the power of the 11 dimensions and how they can be used to benchmark innovation culture. We also suggest concrete ways to make changes and improve on the dimensions to get your “innovation soup” right.
For too long, innovation culture has been amorphous and hard-to-define. Grounded in research, this book offers a straightforward and practical framework for assessing, tracking, and improving innovation culture. We have packaged its contents in an easy-to-read format, focusing on how to implement this work—starting tomorrow—above all else.
As a McKinsey report recently stated, “prioritizing innovation is the key to unlocking postcrisis growth,” with a survey finding that most (90 percent) managers are convinced that the pandemic will fundamentally change the way they do business for the next many years.1 Understanding and building an organization’s innovation capabilities is now more important than ever.
There are many books on innovation. There are three ways this book is different:
• It is based on a thorough data-collection and analysis conducted by the first author, case examples from companies, and the research and experiences of both authors.
• Every chapter starts in a novel, narrative format designed to get readers’ attention using a continuing story that makes the information relatable and memorable.
• We know how busy you are! We are too. As such, we have attempted to keep everything brief, compelling, and practical. While packing in information along the way, our chapters
are short, and get to the point with key takeaways and action items provided.
1 “Innovation in a Crisis: Why it is More Critical than Ever,” McKinsey & Company, June 17, 2020. www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/innovation-in-a-crisis-why-it-is-more-critical-than-ever.