Writing for life

Published in the Career Moves section of The Evening Echo on 08/10/2007

Innovation is something of an economic buzz word in Ireland today. It goes hand-in-hand with the much vaunted “knowledge economy”. Everywhere you turn you’ll find movers and shakers, gurus and money-makers extolling the virtues of innovation, and telling you how nurturing and encouraging innovation is going to play a pivotal role in Ireland’s bright economic future.

But how much of this focus on innovation is filtering down to the coal face? How much are you being encouraged to innovate in your job? Are you being motivated to think, inspired to get creative and generate ideas, empowered to evaluate what you do with a critical eye, to suggest and implement improvements?

No? Well you’re hardly alone there.

The simple truth is that the vast majority of companies in Ireland aren’t innovators, and don’t nurture innovation in their employees. The workforce in general is not encouraged to think outside the box, and as a result many aren’t even inclined to think inside it. Undervalued and under-motivated they simply go with the flow.

There are notable exceptions of course, but for many of us work falls into an all too convenient series of routines. We stick to established procedures and protocols, never questioning, never asking ourselves “could there be a better way?”. Ideas, innovation and creativity are reserved for problem solving – we only make changes and try something new when things stop working.

That has to change.

In a nation that’s hurtling to embrace knowledge, information and innovation as an economic model, we all have to change the way we think if the Irish economy, and by extension Irish jobs, are going to thrive. The new economy is people- and idea-centric, and focuses on knowledge and innovation. It’s a brave new world, and we have to take risks and embrace change if we’re going to compete successfully in it.

Companies need to realise that their employees are their most valuable asset not just because of the work they do – but also because of the potential they have to generate ideas: ideas that can make their jobs and those of people around them more efficient and effective, and that ultimately make the business more competitive. As individuals we need to change the way we think. We should beware of complacently following routine, and instead look at what we do every day with a critical eye. Is it adding value? Could it be improved? How?

Ideas are the lifeblood of innovation – and people are the root of good ideas. If you have an idea for a way your job could be improved, or a change that could make a real difference in your organisation, don’t keep quiet about it, tell somebody. If you’re working for a progressive employer, there may well be a formal mechanism for submitting your innovation into an ideas pool – but if not, simply approach your boss and make a suggestion.

Any employer worth their salt will be receptive to your ideas, even if they don’t end up implementing them. Even if your brainwave doesn’t make it through the round of corporate scrutiny and exacting commercial rationale that it’s bound to be subjected to, don’t let that discourage you. Keep them coming. This country needs your input. Don’t keep your ideas to yourself – innovation is the future.