ABSTRACT
Developing innovative ideas that can overcome huge business challenges is not like implementing a straightforward action plan. You can’t just flip a switch and have a deluge of great ideas land in your inbox. As Ivy Ross, executive vice president, product design and development, at Old Navy Clothing says:
Ross is only half right. It’s true that you have to create an atmosphere that helps people become willing to trust each other with new ideas. People need to feel excited by the possibility of coming up with a fresh way to overcome tough challenges. The old “suggestion box” with a free lunch for the winning idea each month won’t cut it. Why? Because it focuses only on individual ideas, not the synergy of many minds. And, it is not exactly exciting.
