Innovative Employees

Innovators and entrepreneurs are often described as risk takers.

Many are, but there are also innovative employees who are working in larger organizations who also need to be identified and recognized by their organizations.

They often don't allow a past way pf corporate thinking, or eye rolling from one of their colleagues to stop them from trying something new.  These types of individuals will either be recognized by a company as someone trying to make a difference and are appreciated, or they can often leave their company in frustration. 

Why are these "lone wolf's, envelope pusher's, or wacko’s worth holding on to within an organization?

They bring skill sets that not only can help push a company forward, but these skill sets are rare and often more unusual in large companies where birds of a feather tend to stick together which can make this skill set even more unique.

Typically, innovators do the following:

1.

They ask questions like "why not?" much more frequently than other top performers in an organization.

Surprisingly most employees do not ask that question enough but rather continue with the way that they were instructed so that there is little disruption to their overall work/life routine.

2.

They know how to recognize original ideas faster than others.  They don't have to always be the ones creating the ideas but when they see one that is original, they are often the first in the boardroom to seize it.

3.

They know how and when to pitch their ideas.  Often innovative candidates have a number of ideas or concepts floating in their head but some are half baked and not ready for presentation.  Sometimes business circumstances will offer an opportunity for these abstract ideas to be considered and these types of individuals often seize the perfect moment.

4.

Because these individuals understand these concepts working in their head, they can often visualize what and who is required to deliver these ideas to completion.  Therefore, they are good at engaging and even explaining how the overall goal can be achieved with a collaborative approach.

Keep an eye out for these types of employees and ensure that they have an ear.  One of these employees may be that faceless employee that you inherited in an acquisition last week or it might be that quiet co-op intern in accounting.

Farewell,

Mike