How Do You Foster Innovation in the IT Department?

How Do You Foster Innovation in the IT Department?

In the quest to drive innovation in IT, we've gathered insights from top Chief Technology Officers and CEOs. From aligning incentives across departments to creating 'Tinkering Tuesdays', explore the seven strategies these leaders have successfully implemented within their teams.

• Align Incentives Across Departments
• Reward Risk-Taking and Learning
• Track Technology Investment ROI
• Discourage Brand Loyalty
• Implement Innovation Sprints
• Establish Structured Innovation Methodologies
• Create 'Tinkering Tuesdays'

Align Incentives Across Departments

We don't think of IT as a separate group; they're as much a part of the product lifecycle as everyone else. Marketing, sales, customer support, finance, engineering—they all sing from the same sheet of music. Innovation is a natural byproduct when everybody's incentives are aligned (and it works!).

Reward Risk-Taking and Learning

We encourage trying out new ideas. When someone comes up with an idea, we quickly discuss the idea and identify one area where it can be implemented. The idea is implemented, and if successful, is implemented widely. The team knows that trying any idea, even if it fails, is okay and is part of the learning process. They are rewarded fairly for successful ideas. This creates an environment where everyone feels safe to try out new ideas without worrying about getting in trouble if things don’t work out. We support employees when they take smart risks and learn from their mistakes. Curiosity and open-mindedness have become part of our culture, and the team is more likely to come up with creative solutions and innovative ideas.

Track Technology Investment ROI

We like to use a product-ROI framework to track our technology investments, from innovation initiatives through implementation, with metrics to track the outcomes and return on investment. This requires a close partnership between business stakeholders driving the product priorities and technology leadership as a true partner accountable for delivering not just technology but actual value to customers.

Discourage Brand Loyalty

To foster innovation within my IT department, I actively dissuade program and/or brand loyalty.

Switching up software and hardware regularly helps workers take advantage of technological advancements as soon as they become available.

It's too easy to let your process turn stagnant. We've all been there: a new product or program is undeniably better, but you and your team have become so comfortable with the status quo that you put off upgrading. Sometimes you even convince yourself that the time required to upskill isn't worth it.

But as a business owner, I've found that this is never true. Adopting a new process or program always takes less time than I assume, and once my team and I are adept, the benefits make me look back in hindsight and groan at my own stubbornness.

Review your company's brand and program preferences often, and ask yourself if you are maintaining them because their offerings are truly better, or whether it's just convenient for the moment. Often, I think you'll find that technology moves so quickly, you're already behind on time- and cost-saving measures inherent in fresh processes.

Implement Innovation Sprints

One strategy we've employed to foster innovation within our IT department is the establishment of dedicated "innovation sprints." These are short, focused periods where team members can explore new ideas without the usual constraints of their day-to-day tasks. We encourage them to think outside the box, experiment with new technologies, and propose improvements to our existing services. This approach not only sparks creativity but also helps us stay ahead of industry trends.

The results have been impressive. One of our innovation sprints led to the development of a new automated system for handling common IT issues. This system has significantly reduced response times and increased customer satisfaction. Additionally, these sprints have fostered a culture of continuous improvement within the team. Everyone feels more engaged and invested in the company's success, knowing they have a direct impact on our growth and the quality of service we provide.

For those looking to implement similar strategies, my advice is to create an environment where experimentation is encouraged and failure is seen as a learning opportunity. Allocate specific times for innovation and give your team the freedom to explore. The key is to support their efforts with the necessary resources and to celebrate both small wins and valuable lessons learned. This not only drives innovation but also boosts morale and engagement across the board.

Establish Structured Innovation Methodologies

To foster innovation within our Tech practice, we have established structured innovation methodologies. The minor tweak in methodologies encourages team members to experiment with new technologies and methodologies without the constraints of day-to-day operations.

We set up a physical/virtual space where team members can collaborate on innovative projects. We have dedicated a portion of work hours specifically to innovation and provided the necessary tools and resources. As a result, team members feel empowered to think outside the box, leading to creative solutions to existing challenges.

Importantly, we invite members from different work streams to contribute their perspectives and expertise. This cross-functional collaboration has broken down silos and fostered a more cohesive team environment. The ability to quickly test and implement new ideas has given the company a competitive edge in the market.

Overall, the Innovation Lab strategy has cultivated a culture of continuous improvement.

Create 'Tinkering Tuesdays'

We started 'Tinkering Tuesdays.' Every Tuesday afternoon, everyone gets an hour to play around with a new 3D-printing idea or tool. Then, at the end of the week, we share our cool finds with the whole team. It's a relaxed way to explore new things and come up with fresh ideas for our clients and ourselves. It's been awesome! We've gotten some really neat ideas out of it.