Unleashing Innovation: Fostering Intrapreneurship in Your Organization

Innovation is the lifeblood of any organization. It drives growth, fuels creativity, and keeps businesses competitive. But how can you cultivate a culture of innovation within your organization? The answer lies in fostering intrapreneurship.

What is Intrapreneurship?

The first written use of the terms ‘intrapreneur’, ‘intrapreneuring,’ and ‘intrapreneurship’ dates from a paper [1] written in 1978 by Gifford and Elizabeth Pinchot. Later, the term was credited to Gifford Pinchot III by Norman Macrae in The Economist's April 17, 1982, issue.[2] The first formal academic case study of corporate entrepreneurship or intrapreneurship was published in June 1982 as a Master's in Management thesis by Howard Edward Haller on the intrapreneurial creation of PR1ME Leasing within PR1ME Computer Inc. (from 1977 to 1981). This academic research was later published as a case study by VDM Verlag, and it was called Intrapreneurship Success: A PR1ME Example by Howard Edward Haller, Ph.D. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language included the term 'intrapreneur' in its 3rd 1992 Edition and credited [3] Gifford Pinchot III as the concept's originator. The term "intrapreneurship" was used in the popular media first in February 1985 in the TIME magazine article "Here Come the Intrapreneurs" and then the same year in another significant popular publication in a quote by Steve Jobs, Apple Computer’s Chairman, in an interview in the September 1985 Newsweek article,[4] where he shared, “The Macintosh team was what is commonly known as intrapreneurship; only a few years before the term was coined—a group of people going, in essence, back to the garage, but in a large company."

One of the most well-known examples of intrapreneurship is the "Skunk Works" group at Lockheed Martin. Skunk Works propelled aerospace engineering forward, including developing the U.S.'s first fighter jet, shaping aviation history. The group was initially named after a reference in a cartoon and was first brought together in 1943 to build the P-80 fighter jet. Because the project was to eventually become part of the war effort, it was internally protected and secretive. Kelly Johnson, later famous for Kelly's 14 rules of intrapreneurship [7], was the director of this group.

Another example is 3M, which encourages many projects within the company. They give employees certain freedom to create their projects and even give them funds for them. (In the days of its founders, HP used to have similar policies, an innovative-friendly atmosphere, and an intrapreneurial reputation.) Besides 3M, Intel also has a tradition of implementing intrapreneurship. Google is also known to be intrapreneur-friendly, allowing its employees to spend up to 20% of their time pursuing projects of their choice.

4 Key Strategies to Foster Intrapreneurship:

1.    Creating a Culture of Innovation:

Foster a Safe Space for Failure: Encourage experimentation and learning from mistakes. A culture where failure is seen as an opportunity for growth can inspire innovation.

Celebrate Innovation: Recognize and reward employees who demonstrate innovative thinking and behavior. This could be through bonuses, promotions, or public recognition.

Encourage Cross-Functional Collaboration: Break down silos and foster collaboration between different departments to spark new ideas and perspectives.

2.    Empower Employees:

Delegate Authority: Give employees the autonomy to make decisions and take ownership of projects. This empowers them to take initiative and drive innovation.

Provide Resources: Equip employees with the tools, resources, and training they need to succeed. This includes access to technology, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

Offer Mentorship and Coaching: Provide guidance and support to help employees develop their skills and ideas. A mentor can help them navigate challenges, overcome obstacles, and achieve their goals.

3.    Foster Collaboration:

Create Innovation Labs: Designate specific spaces for employees to collaborate on new ideas and projects.

Organize Hackathons and Innovation Challenges: These events can spark creativity and generate innovative solutions to business problems.

Encourage Open Communication: Foster a culture of open communication where employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas and feedback.

4.    Leadership by Example:

Lead by Example: Demonstrate a commitment to innovation by taking risks and embracing new ideas.

Encourage Risk-Taking: Create a culture where failure and learning from mistakes are okay.

Celebrate Successes: Recognize and reward innovative achievements to inspire others.

The Role of Coaching in Fostering Intrapreneurship

Case Study: A Tech Giant's Innovation Lab

A leading technology company established an innovation lab to foster a culture of intrapreneurship. The lab provides employees the space, resources, and mentorship to develop and test new ideas. The company has launched several successful products and services that have driven growth and innovation by encouraging experimentation and collaboration.

Executive coaching can play a crucial role in cultivating intrapreneurship. Coaches can help individuals develop the skills and mindset needed to become successful intrapreneurs by providing personalized guidance and support.

Key Coaching Interventions:

Self-Awareness: Helping individuals understand their strengths, weaknesses, and potential.

Goal Setting: Setting clear and achievable goals to drive progress.

Problem-Solving: Developing effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Resilience and Adaptability: Building the ability to overcome challenges and embrace change.

Communication and Influence: Enhancing communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships and persuade others.

Organizations can unlock their full potential and drive long-term success by fostering a culture of innovation and empowering employees to take initiative.