Week 8 Flashcards
What are key abilities for innovative people?
Acquiring diverse information, sense-making, un-learning, acting autonomously, and learning from experimentation.
How do innovators differ from adaptors?
Innovators focus on doing things differently, while adaptors improve existing solutions.
What is the explore-exploit paradox in innovation?
The challenge of balancing the pursuit of new opportunities (explore) with optimizing existing processes (exploit).
Describe the skunkworks approach.
A small, autonomous team focused on radical innovation, separate from the main organization. (works in explore mode)
What is 3M’s approach to blending explore and exploit modes?
3M encourages innovation across the organization by setting stretch targets, allowing unstructured time for experimentation, and fostering a culture of risk-taking and exploration.
How did 3M integrate innovation within its mainstream organization?
By encouraging “bootlegging” time, setting new product targets, and offering internal venture support.
Why is psychological safety important for innovation?
It allows team members to take risks, make mistakes, and learn without fear of punishment.
What role does trust and openness play in innovation?
It fosters an environment where employees feel safe to share ideas and collaborate.
What is meant by organizational slack?
Extra time and resources that allow employees to explore and test new ideas beyond their routine tasks.
What is the value of conflict and debate in innovation?
It prevents groupthink, encourages diverse viewpoints, and enhances problem-solving.
Why is balancing explore and exploit modes important for innovative firms?
It allows them to sustain short-term efficiency while pursuing long-term growth opportunities.
How does organizational climate impact innovation?
A climate of trust, openness, challenge, and involvement fosters innovation, while lack of support or too much rigidity can stifle creativity.
How did Six Sigma stifle innovation at 3M?
Six Sigma’s focus on process efficiency clashed with the need for creativity and experimentation in the early stages of innovation, reducing 3M’s ability to innovate.
