The word “innovation” means introducing and potentially doing something new. Innovation in a business could be a big win for a company. A good example might be the 3M corporation, which came up with a new idea for little yellow sticky notes in a small pad, which was a brainstorm success for 3M and they remain so today. I always loved that story since it was regular workers in the company that came up with the idea. Another example that I’ve always remembered is a presentation I heard at a National Council on Foundations many years ago. A philanthropic foundation funded bringing Broadband to a town in Appalachia, leading to a transformation in a needy town. This was an impressive, innovative and strategic accomplishment from ages ago.

For a community to be innovative and successful, it might present a well thought out idea or plan which could garner support and necessary collaboration with partners needed for the hoped for buy-in. An innovative approach has been known to move communities forward in a way that can be positive and even inspirational. Places that have innovative ideas that evolve into eventual projects are likely to occur when folks are curious, knowledgeable about success stories elsewhere, are comfortable with consensus building, have a passion for their community to thrive, and strategically understand how a particular seed idea might grow. Bringing people together behind a given cause brings communities together. The best strategy is when all sectors of the community are welcomed and involved.

In a community where relationships flourish and trust between players exists, an innovative idea has the potential for real success. However, the amount of work necessary to evaluate the merits of an innovative approach can easily be an impediment. Much time may be required for consideration, study, new learning, assessment, critical thinking and analysis to do justice to any new idea. These issues can surely slow things down. At the same time, one way around doubts, worries and misgivings is to consider a pilot project, and then a commitment to evaluation after a given period of time. Of course, the reality is that there is a real concern that in communities where people are not working together smoothly, innovation may not be welcomed at all. Other important factors working against a spirit of innovation are fear of leaving the status quo, insecurity in moving out a safe space, and a real worry about failure. This understandably holds people back. However, working together with others who are committed helps build the courage needed to move forward.

No one wants haphazard and overzealous idea generation, but many do long for new ways of thinking versus staying in the safer status quo. All things considered, we can hopefully strive for and appreciate a more openminded approach to finding solutions to the problems we face. In a time where trust may be frayed, we need to work even harder to reestablish a “working together better” environment in order to move our greater community forward.

Dr. Lillian Vitanza Ney is a fomrmer Jamestown City Council member and president.