Thinking Backwards: Fostering Innovation, Re-inventing the Work Experience

McKinsey&Company's "What happens next? Five crucibles of innovation that will shape the coming decade" shook, tossed, and twisted my perceptions of social innovation and sparked some thoughts on what happens before a social innovation idea emerges, much less, how and when the idea is successfully implemented.

The report highlights how companies such as Cisco and IBM have developed social networks and video conferencing applications to encourage employee collaboration and exchange of knowledge. I agree that these initiatives are effective and truly "tear down silos." I'd like to take this point "backwards" to highlight that the actual design of the workplace is crucial in fostering a creative environment with thoughtful interactions.

Two weeks ago, I toured the Google's Pittsburgh Office at Bakery Square. The tour was conducted by a Facilities manager who pointed the office space design. Interestingly, the penthouse style office was once a Nabisco (biscuit company) site. While Google has preserved the feel, it has truly "google-ized" it to make the workplace not somewhere you need to go, but somewhere you want to go. Googlers aren't separated by walls, they change their desks every few months to promote a fresh perspective, their break room is more of a game room to tickle the senses, and their dedication to be conscientously green and global is evident through recycled countertops and fair trade products. The Pittsburgh inspired penthouse, equipped with an entertainment room, beach patio, antique library, and circus net -- is homely, provides different conveniences, and sparks creativity.

Images below from: http://www.home-designing.com/2011/02/google-pittsburgh-office

Thinking about this reading coupled with the Google tour makes me believe that the process behind social innovation is just as important as the innovation itself. It's about the people, but moreso, about the interactions and relationships they form with eachother that drives an understanding of needs and ideas.