LESSON 5 BEING INNOVATIVE

MEANING

Innovative is new and original; to experiment and find new ways to do things. Innovative, like nova,
novel, and novice, comes from the Latin novus, which means new. Something innovative renews or
alters the way something has been done.

What does it mean to be innovative in the workplace?

Innovation technically means to introduce a new idea, or to take an existing idea and make it work
better.Innovation in the workplace tends to refer to the process of introducing something new.

Innovation is vital in the workplace because it gives companies an edge in penetrating markets faster
and provides a better connection to developing markets, which can lead to bigger opportunities,
especially in rich countries.

As well as technology, innovation is also helping in terms of jobs and economic growth. It's estimated
that the world economy could more than double in size by 2050, due to technology-driven
improvements. Finally, challenges such as sustainability and environmental change require innovative
solutions.
Innovative thinking skills in the workplace

Employees who innovate are valued for the way they actively pursue initiatives that improve efficiency
and bring new offerings to customers and clients. Their innovative thinking often invigorates the work
environment. Here are some ways to demonstrate innovative thinking at work:

1. Be the first to provide a solution. If you notice a problem that needs to be fixed or a process that
can be enhanced, speak up. Respectfully share your ideas about how to improve the situation
with a team leader or manager.
2. Write down new ideas. Keep an idea list or journal. When you need to remember or share
important ideas, refer to these notes. Reading your creative ideas is also a great way to prepare
for a performance review or self-assessment.

3. Act on your ideas. Practice innovative ideas by creating new processes or solutions within your
own position to impact your company for the better. Your management will likely notice when
you demonstrate your innovative skills.

4. Share innovative ideas with management. Whenever you have a formal meeting with your
manager, ask for a chance to share your innovative ideas. If you have an idea and it's been a long
time since you've had a meeting, request a feedback session.
5. Learn and incorporate new skills. Learning contributes to innovative thinking. When you put
knowledge to use by trying out new skills, you show that you are innovating your own work
processes.

6. Ask for input on new ideas. Innovative thinkers rarely work alone. They need help to carry out
new ideas with skills they may not possess. Brainstorm innovative ideas with coworkers and
make a plan to accomplish a common goal.
Examples of innovative thinking skills
Here are the traits innovators possess that help them contribute new ideas:

Creativity. Creativity is often associated with artistic talents, but being creative can be a mindset or a
way of looking at the world differently. Creative individuals generate ideas through multiple methods
like brainstorming and group input. They also implement methods to put new ideas into practice.

Originality. Innovative thinkers find new ways to express their ideas. They change the status quo with
their inventiveness, conceiving unique ideas to share with others. Innovators are often the first ones to
come up with a new approach because they look for ways to do something different.

Problem-solving. Those who practice innovative thinking naturally find ways to solve problems. By
seeking alternative ways to make something work, they often learn from failure and aren't afraid to take
risks. Instead of seeing an impossible task, they find the challenge invigorating. Innovators might change
a process or come up with another solution half-way through a project because they refuse to give up.

Critical thinking. Innovators use inductive and deductive reasoning to analyze a situation and arrive at a
solution. To innovate, these thinkers synthesize information and make connections to interpret
information and draw conclusions. Critical thinking also means evaluating ideas and reflecting
throughout the process. Innovators look at a problem by thinking about how one part affects the other
or the whole.

Curiosity. Innovators ask lots of questions about the world around them. They keep asking "Why?" and
"How?" because they want to know the result of their idea. They also question conventional methods of
doing something if they think the process can be improved.

Collaboration. Innovators get others involved in their plans. They are willing to make compromises to
fulfill a common goal. They share responsibility for success and failure. Innovators see the potential in
others and use the skills of their peers to help turn an idea into a reality.

Communication. Those who innovate can share their ideas effectively. They can communicate and
elaborate on their own creative thinking. Innovators are also able to motivate and foster innovation in
others.

What does it mean to be innovative and creative?

Creativity is the process of generating something new; while innovation is the application of creativity
to a new product or service that has value. In sum, creativity and innovation are essential for just about
any organization today, but they are different concepts and neither comes easily.

How do you develop creative thinking?

1. Brainstorm ideas. Brainstorming sessions can go a long way in generating ideas.
2. Role-play scenarios.
3. Reframe the issue.
4. Make the most of creative flow.
5. Stay open-minded and flexible.
6. Keep your ego out of it.
 What are the five techniques of exploring creative thinking?
One way to approach creative challenges is by following the five-step process of
1. gathering material
2. intensely working over the material in your mind
3. stepping away from the problem
4. allowing the idea to come back to you naturally, and
5. testing your idea in the real world and adjusting it based on

How to improve innovative thinking skills

Everyone has the potential to be innovative. Here are some ways you can improve your innovative
thinking skills:

1. Nurture your creativity. Look for opportunities to get creative at work and in your personal life. When
you're faced with a challenge, make a list of solutions. Use your imagination to brainstorm ideas that
start with "What if?" Read advice from other creative thinkers in your industry and in other disciplines
that interest you.

2. Learn to use failure. Many innovators believe that failure is the best teaching tool. Giving yourself the
room to fail and evaluating mistakes can increase your ability to think creatively. Think of failed attempts
as a way to test an idea and move on to the next solution.

3. Consider every idea. Innovative thinkers let their ideas flow without limits. Create a mindset for
yourself where every concept has potential during the initial thinking process. Input from others can also
be an important part of forming ideas.

4. Widen your knowledge base. Those who innovate recognize that ideas can come from any source.
Increase your knowledge through professional and personal development. Find opportunities to learn
and advance your skills.

5. Recognize innovation. Celebrate innovative thinking in others. Explore their methods for creative
problem-solving and find out how they generate their ideas to help inspire your own creativity.

What is product development in tourism?

The study defines Tourism Product Development as: the process by which the resources of a destination
are shaped to meet the requirements of international and domestic customers.

By creating a tourism product provides better positioning and visibility in tourism market, but the
contribution is visible in improving quality of life in a way that when improving the image of the place,
and also improves quality.

Steps of Tourism Product Development

 Research the Market. ...
 Match the Product with Market. ...
 Assess the Destination. ...
 Understand the Stakeholder Role. ...
 Product Building. ...
 Marketing & Promotion. ...
 Providing Human and Technical Resource

Advantages of the Development of Tourist Products

The Development of Tourist Products allows to consolidate the manifestation of unique attributes of
the destination, providing added value and reaffirming the local character and authenticity of the
experiences offered.

Types of Tourism Products

 Accommodations; For example, Taj, ITC Hotels.
 Transportation; For example, Owning taxis, luxury buses, and boats.
 Retail Travel Agents.
 Tour Operators.
 Shopping Centers such as malls.
 Cinema Theatres such as PVR.
 Restaurants for Food and Beverages.
 Tourism Information Centers.

How is the economic analysis important for new product development?

A new product idea that survives the screening stage of new product development (NPD) requires
a more sophisticated and detailed business analysis. A business analysis will help you determine the
costs involved in your proposed NPD, and forecast the profits you may make from the product in future
financial years.

What are the benefits of introducing a new product?

Developing new products provides a means to target new markets, increase market share, sell more
and increase revenue streams. Meanwhile redesigning existing products enables costs to be cut,
margins to be increased and ultimately more profits to be made.