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Hi, we run an innovation office Helping organizations find better ways to make money, is what we do.

We

handpicked
9 valuable lessons for innovation managers who want to...

Start a new innovation project Set up a kick-ass innovation team Impress Miss Lucy from Marketing Take out risk when launching a new product or service

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...all based on our experience with

...

And feedback from people in our +4500 members Linkedin Group already
Many thanks for your replies ! !

1. One eye, one target 2. Buy-in or youre out! 3. Youre not the expert 4. Game on! 5. Go stealth mode 6. Hold on tight 7. Annoy people 8. Do the alpha 9. Back to square one

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Dont try to solve all problems at once - stay focused

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1. One eye, one target

You dont start an innovation project to do some image building A clear goal is crucial - Define why you innovate!

Michael Schoultz Director, Business Development - Northrop Grumman

Making sure (before starting) that you know and understand the problem you are trying to solve.

1. One eye, one target

But be aware! Over time, during your project you might have to redefine your target when the context changes. Be flexible!

James Gardner Director - Bondaii Ltd

The initial goal or target may change dramatically as the project proceeds and better market opportunities emerge.

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Know the importance of management buy-in

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2. Buy-in or youre out!

Dont start without commitment from management. Dont waste energy by pushing ideas upwards in the chain!

Dick Lee CEO and Chief Innovation Officer - Value Innovations, Inc

The CEO must be a full supporter.

Laura Handrick Principal - Pearl Consulting

Executive buy in is critical.

2. Buy-in or youre out!

Create multidisciplinary teams, select cross-departmental groups. We go for 1 core team (max 5) + an extended group (max 20)

John Brooker Expert facilitator - Yes! And...

The basic mantra "involve all functions!" ... if all functions are involved in the innovation there is likely to be much more support moving forward.

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Dont be too shy to involve experts.

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3. Youre not the expert

As an innovation manager you cant do everything by yourself. Involve experts at every step & yes, clients can be experts too!

Sebastian Grodzietzki Head of Product Management - datango AG

Tip #1: Involving the target group (selected clients) in a very early stage.

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Innovation should be exciting! - Live it up!

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4. Game on!
There is no better incentive to create commitment and ensure a continuous flow of ideas. Example: Our process is repacked in a Movie Making theme So we have a Cast, Scenario sessions, Premiere, Shooting,...

Luis Oliveira Innovation Director at DYB

Use your hands to think, play... but play serious games, as often as you can.

1. One eye, one target 2. Buy-in or youre out! 3. Youre not the expert 4. Game on! Were halfway! 5. Go stealth mode 6. Hold on tight 7. Annoy people 8. Do the alpha 9. Back to square one

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Know when to stay low profile.

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5. Go Stealth mode!
Innovation = Change = a red flag for many people Be prepared to face resistance, often from within the company.
Tim Wright Managing Director - StepChange Strategy

Dont kill creativity at its roots. i.e., less exposure is better in early stages.

Nathalie Picard Project Leader - Abbott

Don't make it look like it's potential innovation.

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Keep firm control on the process.

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6. Hold on tight
Innovation is about doing & creating new stuff, by definition youre taking a deep dive. Lower the risk in your project by taking small incremental steps Be sure to have structured innovation process in place

Chris Turner Director, Brand Strategy - TAG Media LLC

Coming up with good ideas is never the problem. Execution is where the challenges lie

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If you dont annoy people, youre not innovating. Simple.

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7. Annoy people
Mixing the informal culture of innovation with traditional corporate culture might be your biggest challenge. Pay enough attention to reporting and communication
Kevin Paylow Vice President of Strategy at Sabre Energy Services, LLC

Never underestimate 'corporate antibodies

Bill Wyatte Manager, Strategic Directions at Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland

People nodding doesn't mean that they agree with your proposition.

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Youll learn the most via prototypes and testing

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8. Do the alpha
Test your ideas in a real market environment. Make a business prototype to get feedback on your project Be careful, this is not an easy task!

Sebastian Grodzietzki Head of Product Management - datango AG

Expect more clients (guinea pigs) to jump off their commitment for preview alpha beta testing.

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You will have to start over.

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9. Back to square one

Innovation is not a one-time process. Document all lessons learned from your project and iterate. Allocate enough resources in order to keep your pipeline filled up

Sebastian Grodzietzki Head of Product Management - datango AG

Have a system/infrastructure in place to track progresses, feedback and (agile) requirements changes.

Our structured way to create innovation blockbusters

Board of Innovation has delivered a surprising, very well structured and productive approach to our innovation challenge. Their strengths? A good planning (that was strictly followed!), very short response times, and a continuous focus, in combination with a pleasant way of taking us out of our comfort zone and letting us think out of the box.
Caroline Ameloot - Marketing & Sales Director, Carglass / Belron

We very much enjoyed the training and will definitely use all the content and the method in the future.
Steffi Wolring, Innovation Lead at Otto Group

Lets have a virtual cup of coffee & discuss your innovation challenge! coffee@boardofinnovation.com
@philderidder @nickdemey

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