HR-Survey > Competency Model > Innovation

Innovation Comments

Definition: Innovation is the process of creating or developing new methods, products, or solutions. It involves seeking and finding creative ways to change and improve to solve problems. It requires a willingness to be flexible and to challenge current processes through a critical analysis. Innovation needs to be supported and promoted since it may be disruptive. It can sometimes help to offer rewards/recognition for innovative ideas. It may be necessary to provide guidance, empower or incentivize employees as well as to coordinate and focus resources, training, and the efforts of cross-functional teams.

Survey Questionnaires with Innovation:
Survey 1 (4-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 2 (4-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 3 (5-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 4 (5-point scale; radio buttons)
Survey 5 (4-point scale; words)
Survey 6 (4-point scale; words)
Survey 7 (5-point scale; competency comments; N/A)
Survey 8 (3-point scale; Agree/Disagree words; N/A)
Survey 9 (3-point scale; Strength/Development; N/A)
Survey 10 (Comment boxes only)
Survey 11 (Single rating per competency)
Survey 12 (Slide-bar scale)

The statements below can be used in your self-assessment (self-feedback) or performance appraisal as examples to demonstrate your "innovation". Having innovation means being curious and have an open mind to consider new processes and procedures; to foster creativity, collaborate with others.

Creates and Develops

Creates and Develops focuses on origination and implementation. This dimension highlights the ability to actively produce new ideas, methods, solutions, or products and bring them to life. It involves generating creative and practical approaches to solving problems, developing systems, and fostering a culture where innovation is actively shaped and executed within an organization.

I created innovative methods of developing business opportunities.
I created new and efficient processes.
I created new and imaginative approaches to work-related issues.
I developed effective solutions for viewing problems from a different point of view.
I created innovative products or services.
I generated innovative and practical ideas and approaches.
I created new programs and systems.
I created innovative solutions to critical problems facing the Company.
I created new products or services.
I created improved methods or solutions for meeting goals and objectives.
I developed several approaches or solutions to a problem.
I generated innovative and practical solutions.
I created new ways of doing routine tasks.
I developed new products and services.
I created a framework to support innovation.
I created a safe environment for idea-sharing.
I generated alternative solutions to problems and challenges.
I developed innovative products or services.

Finds and Seeks

Finds and Seeks emphasizes exploration and discovery. It centers on looking externally and internally to identify opportunities, innovative ideas, and untapped potential for improvement. This dimension involves seeking out inspiration, leveraging new technologies or market trends, and finding ways to apply external insights to foster growth and adapt to change.

I looked for opportunities to apply new and evolving technologies.
I searched for opportunities and innovative ways to improve the organization.
I looked for ways that the company could make profit that were different from how competitors operate.
I explored new ways of doing things.
I sought new ideas and adapts to changing environments.
I sought innovative ways to change, grow, and improve the department.
I sought innovative ways to change, grow, and improve the company.
I looked beyond company for new ideas and innovative approaches.
I discovered alternative methods for production.
I looked for new ways of doing things.
I identified and encouraged innovative approaches to cultivate a forward-thinking environment that fostered continuous improvement and growth.
I helped to identify and create value from innovation.
I found creative ways to get things done with limited resources.

Solves Problems

Solves Problems focuses on action-oriented and practical innovation. It emphasizes identifying fresh approaches to challenges, implementing best practices, and taking calculated risks to generate effective solutions. This dimension is centered on leveraging innovation to address immediate, specific problems, improve efficiency, and seize opportunities in a tangible and results-driven manner.

I implemented best practices within the department.
I solved problems with insight and understanding.
I identified the opportunities created by innovations.
I identified fresh approaches to solving problems.
I determined how much risk the company is willing to take in implementing innovations to the products and services.
I implemented best practice methods within the Company.
I used innovation to solve urgent specific problems.
I took risks that often yield reward.
I maximized the alternative solutions to problems.
I improved and makes systems more efficient.
I took risks to reach beyond boundaries.
I took risks to advance important ideas.

Challenges Current Processes

Challenges Current Processes emphasizes incremental innovation and improvement by reevaluating existing systems. It involves questioning assumptions, simplifying procedures, and fostering diverse ideas to enhance efficiency, productivity, and value within established frameworks. This dimension encourages "thinking outside the box" and cultivating environments where creative solutions to existing problems can thrive.

I offered innovative solutions to Company problems.
I challenged current procedures / processes to develop new solutions.
I challenged assumptions about the way things work.
I challenged current procedures to develop other alternatives.
I encouraged managers to "think outside the box".
I simplified processes and reduced bureaucratic hurdles that might stifle creativity and innovation.
I challenged existing work processes/products to enhance value.
I offered solutions to problems when talking with clients.
I encouraged a diverse range of ideas and perspectives to cultivate an environment where innovation thrives.
I facilitated networking events or brainstorming sessions where employees can share insights and inspirations.

Analytical

Analytical highlights systematic evaluation and strategic foresight. It involves reviewing processes, analyzing data, assessing competitive environments, and setting measurable goals to optimize innovation outcomes. This dimension reflects a more reflective and structured approach, using insights and metrics to guide decisions and continuously refine systems.

I regularly audited the company's innovation effectiveness.
I established systems of continuous improvement.
I established measurable innovation goals and regularly track progress to maintain focus and momentum.
I regularly reviewed the strategic risks associated with innovation.
I thought through complex problems using unique solutions.
I analyzed current procedures and identify opportunities for improvement.
I established and monitors key performance indicators (KPIs) for innovation.
I analyzed the competitive environment to determine where innovation would have the greatest impact.

Flexible

Flexible emphasizes adaptability and refinement in the innovation process. It involves tailoring ideas to fit organizational needs, adjusting strategies to align with goals, and optimizing solutions for maximum impact and feasibility. This dimension reflects a focus on evolving and fine-tuning concepts to ensure their successful application, as well as the willingness to adapt to changing conditions and feedback to achieve better outcomes.

I fine-tuned innovative strategies to maximize resource utilization and achieve desired outcomes.
I transformed raw ideas into actionable plans with a higher likelihood of successful implementation.
I refined and tailored innovative concepts to better align with strategic objectives and market demands.
I modified innovative initiatives to capitalize on strengths and mitigate potential risks.
I adjusted creative approaches to ensure they meet both short-term and long-term business goals.
I optimized the innovation process by incorporating feedback and lessons learned from previous experiences.
I showed flexibility and willingness to adapt to new approaches and changing market conditions.
I adapted innovative solutions to fit the organizational context and resources for greater effectiveness.
I optimized innovative ideas for maximum success.
I customized novel ideas to better address customer needs and preferences.
I enhanced the feasibility and impact of new ideas through careful analysis and iterative improvements.

Disruptive Innovation

Disruptive Innovation focuses on transformational and groundbreaking change that redefines markets and industries. It advocates for radical ideas that challenge traditional business models, create new opportunities, and push boundaries to develop innovative products, services, or strategies that significantly shift market dynamics. This dimension prioritizes major breakthroughs and embraces unconventional approaches to seize competitive advantages and meet evolving customer needs.

I advocated for disruptive innovation to ensure the department remained agile and responsive to evolving market demands.
I kept an open mind towards innovative concepts ensuring managers were continuously exploring potential growth avenues.
I promoted disruptive innovation empowering managers to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what's possible.
I leveraged disruptive innovation to enhance simplicity and convenience, meeting the changing needs of their customers.
I embraced disruptive strategies enabling the organization to create groundbreaking advancements that outpace competitors.
I played a pivotal role in fostering an environment where radical innovation could flourish and lead to major breakthroughs.
I used unconventional approaches to solve problems.
I utilized disruptive innovation to help managers transform conventional business models, making products and services more accessible and affordable.
I championed disruptive innovations to open new market opportunities and redefine industry standards.
I encouraged disruptive innovation that allowed managers to identify and seize opportunities that traditional approaches might overlook.
I prioritized disruptive innovation to achieve substantial growth and maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.
I encouraged a search for radical innovation opportunities to obtain major breakthroughs.
I fostered a culture of disruptive innovation to drive significant market shifts and create unparalleled value for customers.

Supports and Promotes

Supports and Promotes focuses on actively encouraging and championing innovation at all levels. It highlights creating a supportive environment where employees feel empowered to contribute ideas, promoting creativity and risk-taking, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and curiosity. This dimension reflects a proactive commitment to implementing and advocating for innovative changes as a strategic priority within an organization.

I promoted innovation as an opportunity to gain competitive advantages in the marketplace.
I fostered continuous improvement processes.
I encouraged innovation from all levels of employees.
I ensured that employees felt safe to take risks and experiment without the fear of failure or retribution.
I fostered a creative and dynamic work environment where employees felt empowered to contribute to the company's growth and success.
I implemented the creative ideas of employees.
I valued diverse opinions among team members.
I fostered a culture of creativity and curiosity by actively listening to and considering new ideas and opportunities.
I served as an effective innovative champion.
I encouraged employees to consider opportunities to innovate processes and products.
I fostered a creative and innovative work environment.
I championed changes within the organization.
I supported innovation at all levels of the organization.
I had a strong commitment to innovation.
I supported changes to the standard way of doing things.

Willing and Receptive

Willing and Receptive emphasizes open-mindedness and readiness to embrace innovation. It highlights the ability to entertain new ideas, accept unconventional approaches, and adapt to changing circumstances. This dimension is centered around being approachable and open to innovation as a mindset, ensuring an environment where diverse perspectives and experimental efforts are valued.

I facilitated acceptance of new ideas.
I embraced innovation as a way to improve how to do things.
I am not afraid to think outside the box when dealing with issues.
I embraced an open-minded approach allowing managers to discover and promote innovative solutions that drive business success.
I am effective in bringing up new ideas.
I was willing to entertain and experiment with new ideas leading to potential breakthrough innovations and competitive advantages.
I investigated all types of innovations.
I understood that innovation requires doing things differently.
I am open to innovative ideas.
I was receptive to fresh ideas and unconventional approaches to stay ahead of a rapidly changing market.
I fostered an innovative and dynamic work environment where employees felt valued and heard.
I focused on bottom-up innovative efforts.

Empowers and Incentivizes

Empowers and Incentivizes highlights enabling and motivating individuals to contribute to innovation. It focuses on creating an environment where employees feel supported and encouraged to experiment, take creative risks, and implement their ideas. This dimension also emphasizes recognizing and rewarding contributions, providing the resources and skills needed for innovation, and fostering a culture where innovation thrives through empowerment and incentives.

I recognized and rewarded employees that were innovative.
I empowered employees to create innovative solutions to problems.
I celebrated innovative achievements publicly to motivate others and reinforce the importance of innovation.
I provided incentives for employees who contributed innovative ideas and successfully implement them.
I empowered employees with the technical skills essential for driving innovation and achieving strategic goals.
I allowed employees to dedicate time and resources for innovation to empower them to think creatively and contribute to the department's growth and success.
I provided the necessary support and resources to empower employees to develop and implement innovative ideas.
I encouraged others to experiment and learn from their mistakes without fear of retribution.
I assigned responsibilities to individuals for creating innovative ideas/products.

Coordinates and Focuses

I pursued innovative approaches to the current policies and procedures.
I focused the team on important innovations.
I focused innovation on the core products or services offered.
I coordinated the activities of the innovation steering committee.
I focused on creating new value for our products/services.

Training and Resources

I facilitated ongoing technical training and development to enable employees to contribute to innovative solutions.
I prioritized technical skill development among employees to foster a culture of innovation and creativity.
I allocated time and resources specifically for innovation projects, allowing employees to dedicate efforts to exploring new opportunities.
I equipped employees with the necessary tools, technologies, and resources to explore new ideas.
I guaranteed that team members are equipped with the technical expertise needed to excel in innovative projects.
I adequately funded innovation efforts to ensure their success.
I ensured the workforce maintained cutting-edge technical competencies to support continuous innovation and growth.
I offered continuous learning opportunities to enhance technical skills and innovative thinking.
I ensured employees possess the necessary technical competencies to engage in innovation.

Provides Guidance

I set company-wide innovation performance targets and goals.
I offered constructive improvements to existing systems.
I suggested ways to improve processes and systems.
I helped focus the department on innovation.
I established priorities and allocates resources to support innovation.
I guided the department's innovation focus.
I followed through and implemented innovation initiatives.

Shares Information

I participated in cross-functional innovation teams.
Built upon the ideas and solutions of others.
I shared innovative ideas with others.
I encouraged open communication to ensure that all proposals are considered.
I suggested new ideas at meetings.
I promoted collaboration across different departments to combine varied perspectives and expertise, which sparked innovative ideas.
I improved on ideas of others.
I cultivated a culture of open communication where all ideas, no matter how unconventional, were welcomed and valued.

Want to see more Initiative items?
More Initiative questionnaire items.