In this blog series, I've explored the key role leaders must play to successfully build and nurture an innovative culture throughout an organisation. For many leaders, particularly those running large, well established businesses, it can be a daunting prospect. In an environment where tangible results are everything, the ambiguous and uncertain nature of innovation can feel like a distraction, forcing it into the back seat. And this failure to plan for tomorrow means there won'tbea tomorrow. Innovation isn't just for startups. Even small investments today can reap significant dividends down the line.
An effective leader doesn't need to be the expert in every department. Innovation is a collective, team effort and knowing personal limitations is a critical part of team building. Individuals can be recruited to fill any weaknesses, ensuring strong knowledge and skills in every position. Your primary role as a leader is that of the conductor, leading from the front, setting the tempo (and example), ensuring all team members work together towards common goals.
Effective leadership of innovation also requires essential behaviours that encourage a lasting, innovation-focussed mindset-from the postroom to the boardroom. In this series, I highlighted eight required behaviours to accomplish this:
Remember that innovation begins and ends with effective leadership. It must be a leadership-led activity. Rather than viewing it as a distraction, you must see it as a strategic investment to secure the future. But this doesn't mean innovation is a leader's sole responsibility-it's a team effort.
Exhibiting the essential behaviours above will instill an innovative mindset throughout even the most stubborn and change-resistant organisation, creating a culture of bold thinking, constant learning, collaboration, celebration, and most importantly, innovation.