Business Benefits of Employee Proactiveness and Strategic Thinking

Innovation management success requires a proactive mindset. Rather than putting out fires one at a time, proactiveness entails addressing problems beforehand through preventive means. This means finding the root of the problem with a little detective work in order to anticipate where problems may arise. Being proactive means staying one step ahead of the curve, so you are better prepared for what might lurk around the corner. To increase proactivity, companies must shape their operating models in a way that enables employees to find, and to some extent, anticipate problems. For instance, an operating model where teams systematically address problems by priority will help identify issues with the biggest impact. However, proactiveness isn't just about categorizing and prioritizing problems. It means taking a strategic approach and thinking about cost-effective solutions that streamline operations, remove unnecessary roles, and increase effectiveness. Strategic thinking also involves creating an environment of systematic idea management where every idea is heard, refined, and implemented. Ultimately, proactiveness revolves around a collective effort that includes all employees, regardless of rank. While individual effort is important, overall company proactiveness should be the ultimate goal. This entails a proactive mindset, proactive operating models, and proactive strategic thinking.