Innovation is Fake
How to Make Innovation Real

Let’s be honest. Most innovation programs are performative. They’re filled with buzzwords, flashy workshops, and well-intentioned slide decks—but very little substance. Innovation has become more of a marketing slogan than a meaningful enterprise function. And in a time of rapid, chaotic change, that’s a dangerous illusion.

In my latest article and podcast, I explore how to make innovation real. It starts at the top. Without sponsorship from the board and CEO, innovation will always be underfunded, culturally unsupported, and ultimately doomed to fail. True innovation is not a departmental hobby—it’s an enterprise mandate.

And it needs a target. Vague aspirations like “let’s be more innovative” won’t move the needle. Innovation must have a clear goal and measurable outcomes. Whether you're addressing inefficiencies, unlocking growth, or improving customer experience, the effort should be laser-focused and ROI-driven from day one.

The best organizations engage problem-facing, opportunity-facing, and waste-facing stakeholders in the process. They use collaborative platforms like enterprise social networks, enhanced with game mechanics and social engagement tools, to surface ideas and foster real-time collaboration. This isn’t about sticky notes on whiteboards—it’s about structured, high-impact co-creation.

Innovation also requires a philosophical shift. If you're not expecting a significant return on your investment, you're not doing it right. Whether you're building an internal center for innovation or outsourcing to a fractional Chief Innovation Officer like myself, the goal should be clear: significant, measurable impact.

To keep innovation efforts on track, build a visual dashboard that helps your team monitor progress, spot deviations, and stay aligned. And don’t treat innovation like a seasonal campaign. It’s a long-term commitment that requires consistent internal communication and branding to keep the energy alive.

Done right, innovation can generate millions in new revenue, operational savings, and competitive advantage. The organizations that treat it seriously aren’t just reacting to change—they're shaping the future. They’re controlling costs, unlocking new markets, and embracing emerging technologies like AI and robotic process automation.

Innovation is not the shiny object. It’s the engine of sustainable success.

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