Companies that invest in innovation are with no doubt, able to out-compete others on the market. Having an innovation culture enables businesses to be on top of others. Organisations with an innovation culture create a happy space for employees with high levels of satisfaction and retention. Innovation is any practice that supports creative origination or discovery to respond to an important challenge. It involves multiple activities to unveil new ways to do things. Peace Musiime, an accountant in Kigali, says that crafting innovation requires discovering the issues affecting the company and identifying the way forward, for instance, you can decide to create new products that you think are best needed by the customers. “Providing the best services and products will enable you to stand out from your competitors.” She also explains that managers should allow employees to take part in giving ideas and seek solutions to problems affecting the company. They should be given space and resources to enable them to come up with the best ideas or suggestions that will assist them in developing the company and acquiring more customers. Musiime adds that employers and managers ought to create a place that allows transparent and effective communication, and remind workers that they are working towards the same goal. She explains that an employee with effective ideas deserves to be rewarded in any way possible because if their efforts are appreciated, there is a possibility of creating more unique ideas. When ideas or suggestions provided are not the best, encourage your team to think of better ideas instead of putting them down as it may discourage them, she adds. The accountant points out that building trust is key to crafting innovation, for instance, employees need to be supported, they will stay true to the company’s vision and mission. If they are not heartened to speak up, they won’t be able to share amazing ideas that would be of help to the triumph of an organisation. She explains that employees can implement creative ideas if given time to relax and not overworked. Not having a work-life balance incites stress, a thing that may draw employees away from the company and its interests. An atmosphere that allows employees to feel safe and happy, can encourage them to express their views and thoughts, and concentrate on their work. A stress-free environment permits workers to offer full attention to their work, and instil innovation, Musiime states. She explains that job hires or employers should make it a point to offer jobs to talented candidates in diverse academic fields, as that way, they will have numerous ideas of problem-solving tactics, thus boosting contrivance. “After identifying the best ideas accompanied with research, get a plan to implement them, but remember to include the employees who provided the ideas as well so that they don’t seem left out. Let them be part of the solution,” she states. According to Indeed Career Guide, a credible website for career advice, keep up to date with the latest industry changes and market research. Monitor what your competitors are doing, and track consumer demands and trends. Consider what your company could do to satisfy customer demands. “It may also be a good idea to follow the latest updates from companies you admire that aren’t in your industry. See what new things they’re trying, such as a new social media campaign or a new service they offer. Determine why it appeals to you, and consider ways you could implement something similar within your own company.”
