What differentiates innovative companies from the others? This question has recently been addressed by John Kotter, professor emeritus of Harvard Business School and a leading world expert on leadership and change management, on Forbes.com. Kotter warned that a strong brand is not enough to secure a business success. What happened to Kodak can happen even to Facebook according to him. However, rather than what to do, he advises companies what not to do. If you want your company to be truly innovative and successful, the following statements should not be heard in your offices:
"Can we do this?"
Employees of a company with an innovative vision don't ask if they can do something. They come and show what they have done.
"We can't do this."
This phrase is often a response to punishment for failures. If your people can see that innovative thinking has no management support, they don't come up with innovative ideas.
"We need to communicate via a specific channel."
Innovative companies don't need any strict rules for communication among their people. Employees communicate across departments themselves and work together on innovations.
"That's enough."
Innovative companies don't cease in their efforts to keep improving. They celebrate partial successes, but don't rest on their laurels.
"It's not in my job description."
This is a typical response of employees who don't care about the future of their company. They probably lack a vision which should be provided by strong leaders.
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