In any properly run business pressure is applied to deliver outcomes often against demanding KPIs. Sales, production, finance and marketing all operate under such demands so why should an innovation department be any different?

You can't think under pressure!

The old saying "necessity is the mother of invention" is absolutely true. With that in mind it may follow that outcomes in innovation can be demanded when pressure is properly applied. Think of your innovation department or any of your innovation endeavours as simply a production department with a different product - in this case a product or process that is new or different from something you are already doing.

Of course many new to the game will be pushing back with the tried and true axiom that one cannot be creative under pressure. This is nonsense. History tells the story.

Wars prove it. Probably the greatest spurts in innovation and invention in history driven under extreme pressure and absolute necessity can be seen during any war or major conflict.

World War II is a good example that spawned so many innovations, it would be impossible to audit. From vastly improved aircraft, RADAR, proximity triggered cannon shells, communications, miniaturized radios, gun sights and directors. The list is endless and all delivered under enormous pressure. Indeed wars or times of crisis are clear proof that innovations can be delivered under pressure. A major Asian bank for example has come to this realization with a KPI mandated on each Department head that 10 per cent of each successive year’s revenue shall come from new products. They demand this and achieve it, so too should you!

Have demanding KPI's for innovation, just like sales and production. Measure your innovation ROI and be ruthless in demanding outcomes. If it's not working, then clearly you have the wrong people, the wrong process; or both.