Innovation – a term often thrown around in the corporate world, with a meaning that is far deeper than what meets the eye. It is not just about brainstorming and coming up with new ideas. It is about changing the way we think, and thus, impacting the way an organisation operates. This cognitive approach to innovative thinking is the crux of our exploration.
So, what is the cognitive approach? It pertains to the mental processes like memory, perception, language, and problem-solving. It is the ‘how’ of thinking, and not just the ‘what’. It is about understanding the inherent mental processes that drive our decisions, behaviours, and interactions.
The cognitive approach to innovative thinking involves understanding these mental processes and leveraging them to foster a culture of innovation. It involves creating a workspace where individuals are encouraged to think differently, challenge norms, and come up with unique solutions. This process starts with the individual – understanding one’s cognitive processes, and then extends to the team, and finally to the organisation.
Individual cognition is the starting point. It is about understanding one’s thought process, and how it impacts decision-making. Each individual has a unique cognitive process, influenced by their experiences, knowledge, and perspective. Understanding this can help in fostering innovative thinking. For instance, an individual who is more analytical might come up with solutions that are different from someone who is more creative. Leveraging these differences can lead to a wide array of innovative solutions.
Moving on to the team level, it is about understanding how these different cognitive processes interact. It is about fostering a culture of collaboration, where different perspectives are valued, and innovative ideas are encouraged. This involves creating an environment where individuals feel safe to express their ideas, and where diversity of thought is celebrated.
At the organisational level, it is about aligning these innovative thought processes with the overall strategic objectives. It involves creating an organisational culture that not only encourages innovative thinking but also aligns it with the organisation’s goals. This requires effective leadership that can guide this innovative thinking towards achieving organisational objectives.
The main point that this exploration leads to is the importance of understanding and leveraging cognitive processes to foster innovative thinking. It is about changing the way we think, and thus, impacting the way an organisation operates. This cognitive approach to innovation can lead to a more dynamic, adaptable, and ultimately, successful organisation.
In conclusion, innovative thinking is more than just coming up with new ideas. It is about understanding our cognitive processes and leveraging them to foster a culture of innovation. It is about creating a workspace where individuals are encouraged to think differently, challenge norms, and come up with unique solutions. It is about aligning these innovative thought processes with the overall strategic objectives. And above all, it is about creating an environment where innovative thinking is not just encouraged but celebrated.
References:
Eysenck, M.W. and Keane, M.T., 2015. Cognitive psychology: A student’s handbook. Psychology press.
Sternberg, R.J., 2003. Wisdom, intelligence, and creativity synthesized. Cambridge University Press.
West, M.A., 2002. Sparkling fountains or stagnant ponds: An integrative model of creativity and innovation implementation in work groups. Applied psychology, 51(3), pp.355-424.
