Among the latest trends to have caught everybody’s attention in the corporate world are competency based programs. However, there are still many managers out there that are unaware of these programs or are unsure about how to implement them. But the fact is that it is fairly easy to understand these programs and, in following a few steps, employees of your company can be armed with necessary knowledge to carry out their job easily and efficiently.
Competency refers to a set of knowledge, abilities, or skills that an employee needs to have while on the job. It is important that employees use their abilities to the fullest to contribute to the growth of the organization in which they are working. The programs that are based on various competencies are designed and executed in such a way that employees will receive ‘need to know’ information and resources instead of receiving information and resources that are ‘nice to know’. To go ahead with the programs that revolve around competencies, it is important that leaders of the organization work closely with the HR department to ensure the job descriptions include correct skills, abilities, and knowledge. This is the foundation on which the program has to be completed.
One such critical competency that can contribute tremendously to own and organizational success is Innovation Management.
Competency based programs help with innovation management
Innovation management is one competency every leader and organization needs to possess in abundance. After all, there are plenty of benefits to look forward to in having this competency. Innovation management is extremely important because it helps in driving performance and productivity of businesses forward. Also, in having this competency, leaders are able to save money and time and can also ensure customer satisfaction. Besides these, it also leads to competitive advantage and supports and encourages diversity.
There are a few ways available for leaders to demonstrate their innovation management skills. First, they need to understand the markets in which they operate. For example, it is important to understand how customers have behaved in the past, what current customers are looking for, which products have succeeded and failed? And so on. Next, leaders need to manage the creative process as this way innovation can be handled better. Leaders of the organization also need to know how to manage creative people and extract the best creativity out of the group.
As a leader, you may find yourself lacking in innovation management skills when you are not a good judge of what’s creative or how to get innovative. You fail to understand the marketplace or the process of innovation. You may also fail to succeed as a leader if you are not receptive to creative suggestions offered by others.
On the contrary, there are a few behavioral indicators that may help improve your innovation management skills. However, you need to make sure these indicators are included in competency based programs that your organization plans to implement. Some of these include, but are not limited to:
- Using creative ideas of others
- Facilitating effective brainstorming
- Having excellent judging skills about which creative suggestions and ideas will work, etc.
Developing Innovation Management skills can help take the organization to the next level.
