As direction setters, leaders ensure their people have a clear direction that frames innovation priorities. They also secure funding for these priorities and make sure their innovators know resources are available for solutions that move the business in the intended direction. Innovators can benefit from clear directions about business strategy, degree and timing of innovation needed, how much risk to take, and how far to stretch. Innovation is making a difference. MORE

Being innovative or creative looks like an inherent trait to most of us, doesn’t it? For those who steered away from the path of innovation and tried to fit into the neatly defined boxes of the world, it’s time to get a real sense of what your talents are and dig deep. To help innovation officers and wannabe innovators in their task, we’ve put together the best books to inspire you and help your company and workforce stay relevant. The Innovator's Dilemma by Clayton M. MORE

In a turbulent marketplace, when complexity can add even more confusion, it is important to have a simple and straightforward innovation system. Shared and easy-to-use innovation practices and tools can enable everyone in a company to work together to develop ideas that deliver compelling customer value. The Value of an Integrated Innovation System . Innovation Processes . Value propositions, then become the new currency of innovation, rather than only raw ideas. MORE

They require openness, transparency, adaptability, co-creation, self-management and responsiveness. While searching for a modern-day typology for innovative organizations – to show our students and what kind of context they most likely would want to work – I found that none was there, so I created a new one. A Typology for Innovative Organizations. The model describes organizational typologies based on cultures of innovation. MORE

They take a long-term view of their staff and see innovation projects as an opportunity to stretch their employees’ capabilities and to help them achieve their aspirations. Depending on the scope of their ideas, innovators’ careers can be significantly shaped by this journey. A mentor enables innovators to focus on their project results while also learning about themselves along the way. Coach an innovation champion and team through the entire innovation process. MORE

In a turbulent marketplace, when complexity can add even more confusion, it is important to have a simple and straightforward innovation system. Shared and easy-to-use innovation practices and tools can enable everyone in a company to work together to develop ideas that deliver compelling customer value. The Value of an Integrated Innovation System . Innovation Processes . Value propositions, then become the new currency of innovation, rather than only raw ideas. MORE

As the customer advocate, you work closely with employees to keep customers at the forefront of innovation. You want your employees to innovate with the customer in mind. Now Amazon, is known not only as an online product retailer, but as an open marketplace where customers can find full information on products they might want to buy. Support staff to engage in open innovation with customers. Systematize Innovation. MORE

If innovators “pitch” their ideas and value propositions, leaders in the venture capitalist role are the ones who “catch”; they are the authorities who will decide the fate of the innovators’ dreams. You understand that not every idea will develop into an innovative solution, bring the company new customers, or generate greater return from existing customers. Identify strategic areas or specialty fields to fund, while staying open to unexpected opportunities as well. MORE