It’s a word we hear thrown around all the time these days by companies.
But what does it mean in the business world? And HOW do you actually go about making it an intrinsic part of a company?
And what can it mean for YOU as an employee?
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RB is driven by innovation.
It’s not just a part of who we are, it is our primary objective. Our company culture is steeped in it. It is what has made us the success story we are to date.
We are the world’s fastest growing company in household cleaning, health and personal care and it is our systematic approach to innovation which holds the key to this success. Nearly 40 % of our sales come from products launched in the past 3 years.
And everyone, from the CEO down, is motivated to drive innovation.
This is something which was recognised by The Economist when RB was given their Innovation Award.
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The power behind RBs innovation is its people – both the consumers and the employees.
Consumers are put at the very centre of our decision-making – RB wants to discover the small ways we can make life better for them. And then give it to them.
And so we build consumers into our product development – we spend time with them to discover their insights at every step.
But it’s also about the people who work here.
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Even during the recession RB showed strong sales and profit growth – quite an achievement. But this was all down to the strength of our innovative and entrepreneurial company culture.
Talented people don’t want to work in an environment where they feel bogged down with bureaucracy. They want to get things done; to work somewhere where their ideas are accepted.
And for innovation speed is crucial. And this is why we are a ‘principle’ oriented company rather than a ‘process’ oriented one.
It’s all about letting people have ownership of their ideas and not putting too many decision layers in their way.
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Of course, this kind of life isn’t for everyone. But those who love it really love it. It’s exciting, fast paced and challenging. You are learning very quickly and there is a buzz about your career.
You can also check out our IdeaLink website which enables us to work with innovators outside the company.
Tags: company culture, consumers, economist innovation award, Entrepreneurship, ideas, innovation, innovative
Your comments are right on target. Innovation is a ‘life-style choice’ both for companies and for innovation specialists. Both have to have the right personalities to frequently dive into the blue sky and enjoy the rush of ideas, finding solutions and ultimately guiding the flight to land safely on the launch pad. Great Innovation is tantalizing mix of art and science, an addictive game of skill and chance, and a constant source of challenge and reward. Many successful innovators also collectors, designers, game players, puzzle solvers, and avidly curious personalities. Finding the right people and creating the right company environment to encourage their success results in enormous long-term rewards! Sounds like RB has discovered the right recipe for innovation success.