If Apple had not innovated, we would not have iPhones. If Microsoft had stopped innovating when they released DOS, we never would have seen Windows operating systems. If manufacturers had stopped innovating, we would all be driving Model T's and calling each other on candlestick phones that need operator assistance; there would be no television to watch, and you wouldn't be reading this because the Internet would never have been created.

Innovation is about trying to see things from a different angle; it’s about trying to find a new perspective. It’s about trying to step outside of the mental constraints we impose upon ourselves to attempt to look at a problem in a new light. It’s a progressive process where people build upon ideas and improve them.

Often, we think of innovation as a concept, as something that needs to be done. However, it needs to instead be viewed as a daily action to keep your innovation muscles strong and ready to go. And like any muscle group, the more you practice it, the stronger, better, and more unstoppable it becomes.



So, what are some ways to cultivate innovation at work?

•Solve your own problems - When faced with a problem in the workplace, try to solve it first on your own without asking for your colleagues’ help. That way, you will discover the various issues at hand and understand the connections better. When you do that, you will find out what needs improvement and what can be changed.

•Hold brainstorming sessions - It is often easier to develop ideas when more people think together. So, gather a group of coworkers and brainstorm about certain issues that you feel need to be improved. By discussing together, you can all contribute ideas, and you can get inspired by something that a colleague has to say… and be ready to share the credit!

•Read Read Read - There is no better way to get inspiration than reading – read about anything and everything. Broadening your horizons and reading about topics as diverse as gardening, science, or anthropology can definitely give you a wide range of ideas on how to incorporate principles or norms from various contexts and environments into your workplace.

•Spend time on long-term thoughts - It can be difficult to find the time to come up with innovative ideas. We are usually so engaged with our daily tasks that we do not have time to think about improving our processes. Find a way to dedicate some time to think about long-term goals and the best way to sustain the process or service in question for much longer.

•Be curious - Never stop wanting to learn more about different aspects of your work and processes that you follow; why things are done in a certain way, or the services you provide. Once you stop being curious, you will not be able to develop ingenious ways of improving processes and products.