Throughout our work lives there will be ups and downs, but invariably there will also be routine tasks or process that you follow on a daily, weekly, monthly or annual basis. And while there’s nothing wrong with a little repetition down a well-beaten path – where’s the adventure or innovation in that?

So in this post, we’re going to throw out the map (if you will) and see what happens when we question things and look for solutions in new ways.

Don’t just go with the flow

As mentioned in the title, if you’re not innovating then you’re not adding value. Every hear the phrase, “it’s so easy even a monkey could do it.” Yeah, it’s like that. But you and I both know we’re smarter than those hairy banana-peelers down at the zoo… so let’s start acting like it. First step: Question Everything!

Although I do say that with a little of asterisk disclaimer overhead – and while I don’t want to completely derail from the topic at hand – I’ll just say this: Question everything, but be smart about it.

I think we’ve all been in a meeting where that certain someone has to pick apart every little detail down to the atom that created it. Don’t be that person.

There is a big difference between annoying your co-workers and colleagues to the point of them needing midday cocktails versus being the one at the table interested in smart innovating. So please remember the asterisk every time you hear me say “question everything”.

Okay now back to the main event. Hopefully as this idea has started to roll around in your head there are things you’ve started to identify as “the good ol’ ways”. Those are the things we’re after:
– processes for weekly/monthly annual reports that haven’t changed in years
– or ways information is presented to/from vendors that haven’t ever had an upgrade

And probably one of the bigger black-holes in all of this are the annual expenditures that just “renew” magically without anyone actually asking, “Why are we paying $___ for ___?”

Take a marketing budget for example… unless Don Draper is leading your creative time, any money earmarked for “traditional media” aka billboards, direct mail, print ads, etc. needs to be seriously reconsidered and allocated into the digital ages of web, mobile, social and search. (Sorry Peggy.)

The challenges of doing something different.

Well the good news is that everyone loves change and embraces it wholeheartedly. So getting your company to try something completely new should be no problem. (“Oh hello Irony, I didn’t see you come in…”) ☺

Obviously that is complete fiction, although it would be pretty awesome if it was true, but the reality is you’ll most likely have a bumpy road ahead if you try to detour your workmates and/or senior leaders away from the comfortable routine they’re used to. But it’s important to try, and if you feel yourself in need of some inspiration, remember this quote:

Just keep reminding yourself of that – and in the meantime – here are two additional tips to help get your “new ways of doing things” off the ground.

Create a Plan for a Test Case
People are much more open to change when they thing they can get out of it. “Money Back Guarantee” or “Free Trial Offer” – you know the drill. So follow suit and create a plan for a test/demo/beta (whatever floats your boat) and frame up your idea more as a “What if we…?” to get more buy-in.

Find an Ally
Just as friends are important in daily life, allies are important in business. Find someone (there has to be some body) who will support your idea. And (bonus!) once you tell them about it, they may have ideas for improvement. So now, not only do you have better innovative solution but your ally is also more invested because now they have a stake it in. Boom.

So let’s wrap this up and get you out there innovating… just remember the following:
– Question Everything*
– (*Don’t be annoying)
– Change is Hard
– Develop a Test-Case
– Find an Ally

Good Luck and Happy Innovating!