I was just having a conversation with a passing acquaintance, who runs a mid-size law firm. He told me the firm had decided to be innovative, in the sense of saying “starting next Tuesday, we will be innovative.” I hope I kept my smile inward.
Innovation is not something you simply flip a switch to turn on. It is hard work, and there is no simple recipe for “doing” innovation.
I am a firm believer that every law firm should have an innovation lab, where the right people, in the right environment, with the right objectives, can undertake the work needed to become innovative. A good starting point would be to debrief as many acknowledged innovators as possible so you can develop a working list of characteristics, tools, processes and kickstarters. What are the things that make innovators innovative?
Research. Learn. And then do the hard work.