On carrots…

How to motivate innovators

Innovators are not primarily driven by a large bonus, but by sincere management interest.

It’s tempting to think more money will create more innovators.  I have rarely seen employees suddenly become innovators because of a financial incentive. Real innovators are already passionate believers in the solution they came up with. They only need a little help to keep going. 

What I did see as very effective was showing personal interest, e.g. through a regular short call with the innovator. To discuss progress and challenges. To check if they still are on target to solve the original problem. To identify opportunities to connect them with experts in other parts of the organization.  All of this can do wonders and costs only a bit of time. Many innovators told me that without those calls, they would have given up – it’s lonely out there and there are always emergencies to deal with. They knew I was going to call them, so they wanted to share progress or be ready to ask for advice.

Providing broader visibility into the organization also motivates, like providing awards. Or letting the innovator’s management know they are progressing with a valuable innovation which could have global impact. Or asking visitors from HQ to meet with them.

As Dale Carnegie said:

“People work for money but go the extra mile for recognition, praise and rewards”

So, as Innovation Leader, don’t worry too much about money to create innovators – use the money to support interesting innovations. Free up your time (and regularly engage them with the leadership) to keep the really passionate innovators motivated.