Innovation is one of the few bright spots in the dark business landscape of recent years. Hundreds of companies have used innovation to beat the odds of the recession through sheer creative brainpower. We're all familiar with the exploits of such innovation superstars as Apple, Twitter, and Google. These companies not only stayed out of trouble but leapt ahead of the competition by relentlessly challenging the status quo and refusing to do business as usual. These companies are famous for innovation but there are hundreds more that have used innovation to create extraordinary results. Maybe yours is one of them.
A look at Fast Company's list of the world's 100 most innovative companies in 2011 reveals that more than great leadership and clever technology drove these companies to scrap conventional wisdom. One phrase you will never hear at innovative companies is "This is the way we've always done it."
In these companies innovation isn't demonstrated by a single great idea or one killer product. Innovation is a mindset deeply embedded in the culture. Innovative companies recruit for it, nurture it, rewarded, and yes, train for it.
Sam Herring, chairman of ASTDs board of directors, spoke about innovation at the 2011 international conference and exposition in Orlando. He said that learning and development professionals have a unique role to play in fostering and supporting innovation. "As leaders of the catalyst for change in your organizations, you often sit at the center of efforts to build the capability for innovation."
There are hundreds of innovation-through-learning stories waiting to be told. If you have one, please share it by clicking on Submit a Story in the left navigation bar. Tell us how learning and development helped your organization innovate its way to success.