10 Myths of innovation in organization

In my experience of working with different organizations and innovators, i have come across these myths that undermine the basic tenets of institutionalizing innovation. Whenever i see a group of innovators stuck in a rut, i know one of the myths have taken over their creativity.

Check and see if you have bought any of these myths consciously or otherwise.

1. As an innovator, my job is only to create an idea, it is management's job to implement it.
Whenever i hear that only one picture comes to my mind, the tom from tom and jerry cartoon laughing and rolling on the floor because jerry has done or said something stupid or ridiculous. Sorry no offense if you believe that, but i just cant stop laughing at that statement.

2. In certain organizations, you can't innovate.
Another big lie. It has been seen in the history of innovation that only constraints can empower human beings to invent and innovate. If you cant see constraints in your organization as an opportunity for innovation, you are missing something big. Its like you are sitting on the Goldmine, the terrain looks bad, weather is not good and hence you wish to head towards a greener pasture assuming that gold mine will be there.

Wipro before starting innovation journey was and still a very process driven organization. It took some people with passion for innovation to bring in innovation movement in Wipro.

3. Innovation is a single man/woman's work.
Innovation is organization is always team based initiative.

Just to keep the post short, am just listing down the remaining myths. If you have a doubt or need clarification just post a comment with your query and i will respond and explain via comment.

4. One needs certain environment to innovate.

5. Innovation is not a planned process.

6. One needs to create real ground breaking stuff to innovate.

7. Only Technology and IT companies can innovate.

8. Everyone is not innovative. Not everyone can innovate.

9. Innovation is senior management stuff. Am too small fish to think about innovation.

10. Innovation means coming up with a big idea and making millions out of it.
Barring the last one all are myths. Even last one is a partial myth.