Simple Tip: Use the word "idea" more in everyday conversations.

So here is my first tip for all you would be innovation practitioners… one simple tip to make yourself more innovative everyday.

     1. For rookies: The basic "I have an idea!" will get you started.

     2. For the manager: "I want to make sure we hear everyone's ideas"
     3. For the subtle salesperson: "let's get together and flesh out some ideas"
     4. For strategists: "We need some big ideas that will help us 'Move the Needle'"
     5. For executives who need to level-set: "Things have changed; we’re going to need some new ideas."
     6. When softening bad news "I’m sorry such and such happened…but we have some ideas on how to make sure this will not happen again."
...often times they won't even ask what those ideas are, they are just glad you are thinking about improving the status quo going forward.
     7. You can even use ideas when sweeping bad news under the rug like "well… we can't expect all our ideas to pan out, it's when we stop taking risks, that we should fold up the tents and go home.”

By doing so, you subtlety change the context from tasks, milestones and deliverables; to a more open-ended, forward-looking and optimistic discussion. No one wants to have a “new project” dumped on their desk, but almost anyone will take a moment to explore some new ideas with you, and that’s the first step to building a team to help with your new project. Also by thinking in terms of ideas you are more sensitive to recognizing others contributions and it generally sets a good tone for collaboration triumphing over office politics.