Let’s be honest: when establishing new idea management and innovation programs, there are key success factors that companies often avoid. Leaders will all too often assign the task of launching an idea management program, then wash their hands of any responsibility or leadership to ensure its continued success. But today, let’s address the real reasons why that shiny new idea management program sometimes gathers more dust than ideas, and why even the best-laid innovation pipelines can end up looking more like running in circles than making a dash for the finish line.
The Myth of ‘Set It and Forget It’
Many organizations believe that rolling out a new idea management platform or process is like buying a fancy treadmill: assemble it, plug it in, and suddenly everyone’s running toward the future. But without someone leading the charge — call them a champion or simply “the boss who cares” — that treadmill quickly becomes a very expensive clothes rack.
The ugly truth is: without complete internal buy-in and a champion at the helm, your new innovation program will not be universally adopted. People tend to become entrenched in their day-to-day roles. It’s not that your people don’t care about innovation (they do!), but change is hard. If leadership isn’t visibly on board, and if a legitimate force is not in place for driving engagement, the whole initiative risks fizzling out before it ever gains momentum.
Why Champions Matter (and Why You Need More Than One)
Think of your innovation pipeline as a relay race. If the baton (your idea) gets dropped because no one’s running the next leg, the race is over before it’s begun. You need a champion — someone who keeps everyone moving toward the finish line, clears roadblocks, and celebrates small wins. Better yet, you need leaders at every level, including executive sponsors to convey the strategic importance, department heads to hold teams accountable, and team leads to make innovation part of the daily routine.
But don’t stop there. Champions need tools, training, and, yes, a little bit of fanfare. Recognize their efforts, give them resources, a platform with gamification to bring out healthy competition, and make them the heroes of your innovation journey.
Beyond the Platform: What Really Drives Engagement
Buying software is easy. Getting people to use it? That’s the tricky part. Even the most user-friendly innovation platform can’t force collaboration, creativity, or follow-through. Adoption only happens when the process is embedded in the culture — when people see real value, not just another login screen. And to reinforce a positive innovation culture, the proper incentives must be in place.
One thing I wish I could remind our clients of often for their own success is that innovation software is only as powerful as the people and champions behind it. The real transformation happens when leadership is engaged, teams are empowered, and everyone feels ownership of the process-not just when a new tool is rolled out.
— Jennifer Creech, CEO, Ezassi Innovation Management Services and Software
This is where innovation strategy services and consulting come in. It’s not about telling you what you already know; it’s about helping you build engagement, breaking down silos, establishing the right KPIs and creating excitement across departments. Sometimes, you need an outside perspective to shake things up and keep everyone aligned.
Timed Challenge Initiatives: Because Who Doesn’t Love a Good Competition?
It’s clear that people are more likely to participate when there’s a sense of urgency and maybe a little friendly competition. Timed challenge initiatives are a proven way to spark engagement, surface new ideas, and get everyone involved. Whether it’s a quarterly innovation sprint or a themed challenge (“How can we streamline our workflows to achieve record-breaking turnaround times?”), these events create momentum and keep the pipeline flowing.
Our clients need to recognize how essential it is to have the executive team driving the innovation agenda. When we partnered with a leading energy company, it wasn’t just about new strategies and software; it was the executive team’s commitment, especially through timed innovation challenges, that transformed siloed efforts into a unified, innovative culture.
— Dr. David R. Jones, Ezassi Chief Research Officer
Plus, with the right platform, you can automate reminders, publicly display participation levels, and celebrate winners, turning innovation into a team sport instead of a solo marathon.
Automation: The Accelerator for Sustained Engagement
Manual processes are innovation killers. If submitting an idea feels like filling out a tax return, don’t be surprised when participation drops off. Automation is your friend. Use it to streamline intake, route ideas to the right teams, send progress updates, and nudge stakeholders when it’s time to weigh in. Participants will want to know that their voice is being heard, and automated workflows are the best way to ensure timely feedback.
Automated workflows not only reduce friction but also provide transparency and accountability. Everyone knows where things stand, what’s next, and who’s responsible — no more lost ideas or mysterious black holes.
Building a Culture That Lasts
Here’s the part that’s hard to admit — software alone won’t change your culture. But the right combination of leadership, engagement strategies, company-wide accountability, and smart automation can. When innovation is woven into the fabric of your organization — supported by champions, fueled by cross-departmental challenges, and enabled by seamless processes — it becomes more than a buzzword. It becomes your competitive edge.
So, next time you’re tempted to ask, “Why isn’t our innovation pipeline delivering?” remember: it’s not just about the tools. It’s about people, process, and a little bit of expert coaching.
Ready to leave the dusty treadmill behind and set a new pace for innovation? Lace up those sneakers and let’s go the distance.
Dr. Matthew C. Heim is Chief Innovation Officer at Ezassi.
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