What does it actually take for people to be innovative at work?
Most companies answer that by creating an innovation team.
Or putting it in R&D. Or marketing. Or strategy.
But almost never HR.
And yet…when you look at what actually prevents people from being innovative, it’s rarely a lack of ideas.
It’s things like:
- Fear of challenging the existing way
- Fear of rejection
- A culture that quietly punishes people for speaking up
- People who tried once, got shut down, and stopped trying
Those are not R&D problems.
Those are human system problems.
Which is why we’re spending more time talking with HR leaders.
Because innovation doesn’t just require ideas. It requires an environment where people feel safe enough to challenge things, clear enough on how to contribute, and supported enough to try something new.
That’s culture.
That’s behavior.
That’s how work actually works.
In other words…that’s HR.
We’ve had the opportunity to explore this directly with Mike Sipple, Jr. and the Talent Magnet Institute® through their CHRO Mastermind group. Working alongside thoughtful leaders who are pushing the boundaries of how organizations operate has energized our efforts to connect more with HR leaders.
This is just the beginning and we welcome more conversations. If someone comes to mind who might be open to thinking differently about innovation, culture, and human system, we would greatly appreciate an introduction.