Balancing Creativity and Control

It is a balancing act

Another widespread myth is that innovation is solely about creativity -- that all that is needed is an environment in which bright ideas can be explored. This is not true: it does not matter how many interesting ideas are flying around the place if nothing useful comes of them. Managing innovation is not only about unleashing creativity, but also about harnessing and focusing it.

It is a balancing act -- on the one hand releasing the flow of ideas to create and sharpen up innovations, and on the other making sure the ideas are focused toward actually delivering results that benefits the organization, without taking forever or consuming a vast budget.

ACTION POINT: Managing innovation means balancing creativity with direction and control.