Beyond the buzz: Why innovation is still the most important word we know

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When it comes to jargon; the business world just can’t get enough. If we’re not focusing our efforts on ‘synergising’, then we’re hard at work ‘laddering up’ or ‘drilling down’. And then there are the acronyms…

What does it all mean? These days it can be hard to tell. But here at Xero, there’s one buzzword we’ll never tire of. Because while it may arguably be overused, it’s without a doubt the most important thing in tech right now. That word is ‘innovation’.

Using technology to enable and enhance our human potential

Last week, we were honoured to be named by The AFR as Australia and New Zealand’s third most innovative technology company for 2019. Our ranking was based on an innovation introduced in the past 12 months, and we were recognised for one beautiful piece of tech: Xero Central.

Xero Central is intuitive, interactive and provides a safe space for customers to connect with Xero and with each other. It’s technology designed to enable and enhance human potential. And in doing so, it reminds us of one key thing: true innovation doesn’t come from tech, it comes from people.

In the words of Nigel Piper, our Executive GM – Customer Experience, “Xero Central is a one-stop shop where our customers will find personalised contextual support. Each time a question is asked, it uses world-class machine learning to respond with relevant content. The innovation is masked by its simplicity, and the best part is, we’re only just getting started.”

Encouraging growth and investing in our community

Following a rigorous research process, The AFR listed three elements that set the top companies apart from the rest of the pack and encapsulate exactly what innovation is all about: 1. Being customer-centric from the start, 2. Involving customers to the end, and 3. Recognition of staff for their innovation efforts.

This is what inspires us to create an environment at Xero where everyone has the space to grow within their role. From the brand new grad to the CEO, each one of us is encouraged to challenge the way things are done. Because it’s only by being brave enough to shake up the status quo that innovation can happen.

Beyond dedicated departments or one-off programs, innovation is something that should be ingrained within a company’s culture. A huge part of this is implementing regular circles of feedback with our customers – and listening to what they have to say. After all, without our incredible community, we wouldn’t exist. It’s also about investing in our people so that they’re empowered to do the best work of their lives. Every day.

So, while we don’t do jargon here at Xero (at least most of the time), we certainly do innovation. And, like Nigel said, we’re only just getting started.

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