JULY 2016CIOAPPLICATIONS.COM 19CIOINSIGHTSCreating the Right Environment for InnovationBy Chris Zeppa, CIO, Walker EngineeringThe steps we can take are bolded.We have long been taught that people in management positions should `foster innovation'. To me, that's as simple as getting out of the way of a good idea. Of course, the implication is that you can recognize a good idea when it pops up. It means you are actively looking and listening for it. And the only altruistic reason for looking for good ideas is because you want to make something better for the people you serve.I don't think innovation happens, per se. Innovation is the result of more fundamental elements being in place; it's the by product of professionally happy people who take a lot of pride in their work. If people in your company love what they do and are proud of where they work, they will improve the company's product.As a CIO, I understand the leveraging effect of technology. When I hear about an innovative idea, I think to see if technology has any role to play in supporting ­ fostering ­ that idea. If adding technology to a good idea hinders the process of innovation, then, don't use it. It is nothing worse than seeing a good idea lying dead on the floor, killed by the crushing weight of needless technology. For me, an example of a needless use of technology is fitness trackers. Who doesn't know if they're in good shape? Do we really need some device counting our steps and giving us some delusional sense of fitness?We need to provide an environment where innovation can happen, listen to ideas, identify and foster those people for whom change is a way of lifeChris Zeppa
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