Inspiration and Innovation

Hello and welcome to the second post in this series focusing on the importance of soft skill development.

In the previous post, we discussed the benefits of dedication to your business. In this post, we are going to discuss the benefits of innovation, and how to develop the skill.

If we are to think of dedication as providing the solid foundation of professionalism, then innovation provides the flourishes which can really set you apart from your fellow professionals.

Innovators have the stardust – the ability to transform the ordinary into something special, or to solve the unsolvable by applying the unthinkable. If you can prove yourself as an innovator then you will be among the minority, and your stock will sky-rocket.

Often time, innovators are problem solvers. They’ll look at something as it is and ask themselves why it was not done as it could have been. They see solutions where people don’t even see problems.

To develop the ability, it is a case of determination, commitment and practise. Pick a book – there are plenty to choose from – and learn and then apply, and then repeat! It’s like I said at the start, these posts are to plant seeds which will yield medium term fruits in order to ensure your career continuously develops.

If you believe you lack the ability to be innovative, then just start by critically thinking more often. When you are out and about, observe brands in action in shops and on TV – whatever – and ask yourself – ‘What is the point they are trying to convey?’ and ‘Could they have got their message across any better?’

Keep applying that general principle to everything you encounter. What could be done better? Yes, it is good, but how could it be even further improved?

When we repeatedly use certain thought processes over and over, in quite a short period of time, they become established and almost autonomous. At that point we then have the skill of innovation! Whilst it may not ‘come naturally to you’ it will feel like it does once you’ve wired it into yourself.

You will find then that your value increases considerably as you now critically examine every step of the process for potential improvements. You will find your self-confidence increases as a professional the more time you spend focusing on what could be improved upon. Your self-esteem will respond knowing that you are focused on improving a skill which most clients would love you to offer as part of your overall package.

Experience always supports the development of our innovative skill. The more projects you work on, the more situations and complexities you will deal with as a matter of course. As you are involved with and perhaps even suggest improvements, you will store them in your subconscious and conscious mind for use later. You will then find, as you move onto new projects, even though the context is slightly different, you are now easily able to instinctively perceive what the best direction for progress and improvement would be.

Again, it is best not to be concerned if you feel you are lacking in this department – most of us are – especially at first. I just want you to be aware of the importance of consciously willing the development of this quality along with the other soft and technical skills that constitute your professionalism. You will find it develops ‘naturally’ as you progress through your career – but if you are wanting to accelerate your growth and broaden your horizons even wider – then consider being proactive about developing your innovative qualities.

That concludes this post on innovation. Tune in next time as we move onto a discussion of communication skills.

‘Til then…

Steven Cook

www.contentdesignsolutions.co.uk