Bill Joy, the co-founder of Sun Microsystems, was famous for saying, “Not all smart people work for you.”
A Study Shows How to Find New Ideas Inside and Outside the Company
Talking to fellow employees can be as valuable as talking to customers.
July 18, 2017
Summary.
Many companies are encouraging employees to scout for new ideas among external partners, such as universities, research institutes, competitors, and customers. Much research suggests that exposing employees to a broad range of external partners can lead to more innovation at the company. But can this detract from the work they do inside the company? A study of 615 senior IBM employees found that those with a broad external network were more innovative only when they devoted enough time and attention to those sources. Managers have to ensure that employees searching for new ideas outside the firm make the best use of their time and network in ways that are likely to enhance innovation.