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INNOVATION CREATES SUCCESS
by: Wendy Hearn
Innovation creates success and being innovative in your business is one of
the keys to being successful. Innovation is the introduction of new
processes, new ways of doing things and revolutionising how things have been
accomplished previously. Innovation isn't just about improvement; it's much
more than that. Improvement is taking what you have and making it better -
doing more of the same but better, whereas innovation is about discovering
new methods and making changes.
Innovation requires you to think and come out of your self-perceived box. As
an individual your box will differ from other people's and the edge of your
box is where you start to experience limiting thoughts and beliefs. You'll
need to step beyond these in order to be innovative. For instance, the edge
of your box may be that "There is no way this can be achieved in these time
restraints", whereas stepping outside it is "What new ideas and methods can
we utilise to get this done?", or "What can be done differently?" and "To
get this done what shift do I need to make in my approach?". Perhaps the
shift you need to
make is to be more focused, inspired or challenged. So visualize yourself as
this person. This will stretch you beyond the limitations of the situation
and create a new experience.
Being innovative requires you to think and be wacky. The ideas you generate
may seem ridiculous or even outrageous, but keep going and make them even
more far-fetched. Then you'll find some gems of inspiration, even if they're
only small to start with. Be willing to move beyond the way it's always
been.
To be innovative you need to be willing to give it one more go. When some
things don't work out and may be seen as a "failure", you need to rise above
this and not let it dampen your spirits. Innovators are not satisfied with
the status quo; they're ready to shake it up and be outrageous.
One aspect that holds people back from being innovative is they don't see
themselves as such. They believe innovation is reserved for the elite few.
This isn't necessarily true. Most people have the potential to be
innovative. They may not have experienced this before or been willing to see
it and play with it. You can be innovative if you choose to be so. The first
step is often to give yourself permission to have the freedom to be
innovative. Enjoy this freedom and allow yourself time for this innovation
to surface. You may need to loosen up before your innovative juices really
start to flow.
Aside from self-belief in your innovative powers, a strong compelling vision
for your business allows innovations to come to life. Your business vision
is your dream, what you 'see' as possible. It's an out of the box,
unrealistic, inspiring, idealistic and possibly outrageous statement for
your business. Your vision opens up a new paradigm, a new level of thinking
and being which encourages your innovation to grow. In order to move towards
your vision, innovation will be required. Your business vision pulls you
forward naturally and you will feel more drawn to being innovative.
What would being innovative give to your business? If you're ready to
cultivate this innovation, then I encourage you to develop a strong vision,
give yourself time and freedom to play with the idea, have belief in your
ability to innovate and be willing to step out of your self-perceived box.
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Wendy Hearn
Personal and Professional Coach
She works with business owners, professionals, executives and
managers who are ready to enrich their lives. . . finding more
success, fun, balance, joy and time. She coaches one-to-one
with individuals and groups by telephone and email.
http://www.Business-Personal-Coaching.com
mailto:wendy@Business-Personal-Coaching.com
Copyright 2002, Wendy Hearn. All rights reserved. |
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