Like the sweet scent of chocolate wafting from a fountain, if your culture is not permeating the organisation from the CEO down, there is little chance of innovation pervading your organisation.

Apple, Google, BOSE, Hilton hotels and McDonalds are all successful organisations that have a culture set from the top down. Nobody can survive in these great companies unless they are on board and aligned with the culture.

Apple are always ahead of the curve with “cool” products.

Google are ever moving into new spaces with unlimited funds to play the game. BOSE, with a new level of sound quality from micro speakers and a stylish design, Hilton with impeccable standards the world-over and McDonalds with their consistent quality, fast turn-around food that’s safe to eat in even the most hostile of environments.

These great organisations live and breathe their culture. So too it must be with innovation.

There is no doubt a single inspirational session or workshop will deliver outcomes, however, embedding the culture within your organisation is really the aim. What is needed is a consistent message from the top and a determination to have all your people on board to always be looking for the next opportunity. Further, done properly, it’s not difficult and always produces lasting results.

In the fast changing world of today, with ever-reducing time to market, new technologies emerging and disruptions happening in all businesses, the only organisations to survive and prosper will be those embracing the fine art of innovation.

In short, people love to work in dynamic, fast-moving organisations, it’s fun, exciting and it gives people the joy of coming to work each day to explore new horizons.

The message is simple, have the CEO on board, excite your people, give them some freedom, some tools and watch what happens.