While we associate the word ‘technology’ with all kinds of cool devices and gadgets, the idea of a “tech sector” isn’t quite accurate.
Every area of the economy deals in technology, with various industries leveraging innovation that was unthinkable just 10 years ago. When we consider technology as a sector, it suggests that it’s a silo that sits alongside other industries, like healthcare or manufacturing. Instead, it’s better to see technology as integrated within all market sectors.
It’s also time to expand our concept of what technology personnel looks like. Tech workers aren’t just 20-something guys in hoodies, designing apps from Silicon Valley. Innovation is taking place everywhere. Its impacts are increasingly appearing in hospitals and how we teach our kids. Technological innovation has been improving healthcare outcomes and addressing ecological damage. Innovation is happening in apps and computer, but it’s also showing up in customer service bots and logistics analytics.
Companies need to realize that because technology is everywhere, innovation can come from anywhere in their workforce. Everybody from the production line worker to the head of marketing should be involved in driving innovation within an organization.
Great companies don’t count on a small clutch of people to innovate. Instead, they develop a culture of innovation that involves everyone. People throughout these companies are urged and empowered when it comes to innovation, whether it’s in boosting efficiency, developing new products or coming up with new service wrinkles. This leads not just to new offerings, but also superior margins, higher customer satisfaction and stronger business relationships. Moreover, it utilizes the brains, viewpoints, and abilities of many people, any one of whom may come up with a key innovation.
If you are looking to make innovation a bigger part of your culture, start by producing an environment that encourages people to build and try out new ideas. Make “innovation” a formal category in performance reviews. Celebrate those who bring new ways of doing things to the table, even if they don’t end up getting adopted. Also, give employees time and space to brainstorm and experiment.
It’s challenging to promote a culture of innovation, particularly when there are daily pressures to perform and follow the established rules. However, the reality is that everybody has the capacity to innovate; and if you’re able to tap into that ability, your business has a much better chance of thriving.
Hiring with an Eye Toward Tech, Diversity
Employers ought to be making the extra effort to make certain that their talent pipeline is always filled with enthusiastic, skilled people who are able to innovate. Moreover, businesses have to make certain that nobody is left behind, and be even more purposeful in attempts to integrate women, people of color and those who are traditionally disadvantaged. If every business is going to rely on innovation, each one is going to need all hands on deck.
We Can Bring Future Innovators to Your Company
At SMCI, we specialize in connecting intelligent innovators to our clients. Please contact us today to find out how we can make your workforce more innovative.
