Tapping into the ‘Inner Heart’ of Innovation

Creativity is an essential skill for organizations particularly in the ever evolving modern marketplace. Indeed, organizations that do not adapt to changing economic and market trends are unlikely to survive (the cases of Blockbuster or Kodak are good examples of companies that suffered these consequences). Not surprisingly, leaders and organizations are searching for ways to stimulate and encourage innovation within their workplaces.

An experiment in innovation

From the outside looking in, a quick-fix to stimulating creativity and innovation within the organization might be to offer employees financial incentives to bring creative ideas to the table. If you want better ideas, pay people more money to deliver them. However, the simplest most logical solution may not be the best. Teresa Amabile, a professor at Harvard Business School and one of the leading authorities on creativity and innovation, conducted a fascinating study highlighting how this seemingly obvious advice is actually seriously flawed.