Innovation vs culture

Which came first, innovation or culture? 

Like the chicken and the egg, it is not always clear if innovation breeds culture or if it’s the other way around.

Stephen Wunker argues that big businesses can build a culture of innovation with the right strategies. One of the strategies Wunker recommends is that companies provide an innovation outlet to middle managers and those who are “charged with maintaining the core.” Those middle managers are typically the most knowledgeable about their business because they live it everyday. They are well-positioned to introduce new ideas on how to improve the business because of their intimate connection to the organization.

Ric Kelly suggests that a culture of innovation starts with the leader. According to Kelly, leaders can foster innovation by engaging others through dialogue and creating an environment where people feel comfortable expressing themselves. After all, active engagement and listening are both signs of leadership, and people are more likely to follow the cultural footsteps of a leader.

Both Wunker and Kelly are right, of course. 

The point is that innovation and culture go hand in hand. It might not be clear which comes first, but both are undoubtedly essential to the success of your business.