Innovation is Turning Creativity into Action

Innovation has probably become one of the most frequently used words in recent years. However, the most important step when you have an innovative idea is undoubtedly taking action. Otherwise, it remains nothing more than creativity. The good news is that innovation can be cultivated, both personally and within your business model. Here are a few suggestions.

First of all, it takes determination and discipline to remain open to finding every possible solution to a problem instead of assuming there is only one correct answer. This requires changing your mindset and letting go of the idea that there is only a single formula for success. Reading and studying techniques that encourage innovative thinking is essential. Likewise, organizations should create spaces and opportunities that allow employees to explore, experiment, and develop new ideas.

Secondly, you have to take the first step, even when you're afraid of failing, and then persevere, persevere, and persevere. Innovation is a process of trial and error until it becomes a habit of thinking and acting. For businesses, simply offering an innovation workshop or training course is not enough—it must become a continuous practice.

When it comes to business models, there are several well-established methodologies worth considering. Here are two of the most widely recognized:

Lean Startup: This methodology, popularized by Eric Ries, originated from Japan's Toyota Lean Manufacturing principles. It focuses on designing processes that enable the successful launch of new products and services while minimizing the risk of failure through continuous validation.

Lean Startup is an evolution of the traditional Lean concept, adapted specifically to startups and product development. It emphasizes eliminating every form of waste throughout the production process. The methodology is built around three core principles: defining the business model, establishing a method for gathering feedback from potential customers, and rapidly validating the business idea.

Thanks to the book The Lean Startup, this methodology has become a global movement that is transforming the way companies conceive, build, and launch new products.

FORTH Method: This methodology is designed to double the effectiveness of customer-focused innovation processes. It helps organizations develop and improve products, services, and business models by combining three of today's most valuable innovation approaches: Design Thinking, creativity, and business reality.

Its name is an acronym formed from the first letter of each stage in the methodology:

• Full Steam Ahead

• Observe & Learn

• Raise Ideas

• Test Ideas

• Homecoming

The FORTH methodology seeks to bring structure to the often chaotic innovation process while fostering a true culture of innovation through a 20-week innovation journey.

The outcome of this innovation expedition is typically three to five mini business cases built around innovative ideas that are both practical and aligned with the organization's reality.

Now it's your turn—put that creativity into action!