How To Be A Leader In Innovation

6 January.2023

3 min.

Building a more innovative business model is a goal shared by company owners across the globe, and it’s not hard to see why. Innovation is a necessity in the ever-evolving landscape of modern business, while almost half of all companies feel the need to create a role specifically for an innovation leader.

If you are the innovation leader in your company, several steps can be implemented to foster the right culture throughout the business. Some of the best are detailed below.

Tip 1: Build a diverse team of innovators

Innovation works best when it is celebrated across the organization. Diversity of both inherent and acquired traits is essential for optimal success, with research highlighting that it cultivates a culture of outside-the-box thinking. Better still, it encourages projects to gain a 360° perspective, which can help identify potential problems and solutions.

Crucially, a diverse team of innovators, which may also include remote workers, will learn to consider the customer perspective. Given that improved client experiences are the top drivers behind wanting to embrace innovation, it is another incentive for diversity. It should also create a level of equality that enables junior staff members to innovate with confidence.

Tip 2: Allow people to be creative

You cannot possibly become a leader in innovation if you do not actively promote it. Innovation can strike at any time, which is why a flexible work schedule that enables intrapreneurs to work on their ideas while they are fresh can make a huge difference.

KICKBOX encourages users to dedicate 20% of their time to the innovation process. This gives innovators the freedom they need to capture ideas and explore solutions without inhibition. When combined with the added engagement, it yields fantastic results.

Tip 3: Remove the fear of innovating

There are many reasons why workers may resist innovating. As a leader, one of your key responsibilities is to break down those barriers. If workers feel that they have to jump through multiple hoops before getting the opportunity to be heard, they’ll soon begin to focus on assignments that actively make a difference.

Psychological safety is another key feature because employees must be willing to share their ideas, not least because collaborating with others can be key to leading a project to completion. It is another reason why the aforementioned need for equality across the team is vital. Moreover, psychological safety scores are 84% when workers have faith in their leaders. Self-development can be the trigger for increased innovation across the team.

Tip 4: Invest in the right tools for innovation

Finally, employees need the right tools to support innovation. There should be a focus on collaboration, accepting failure as a mere setback on the route to finding the right innovations, and the ability to make data-driven decisions.

Implenia is the perfect example of how businesses can use KICKBOX to develop a stronger company culture across the entire team. Implenia ensured everyone within the company, from the bottom up to top management, was involved in the innovation process.

If you’re looking to become a leader in innovation and want your business to reap the benefits, adopt these tips today. By building a diverse team of innovators and promoting creativity, you can remove the fear of innovation and galvanize your team towards success. With the right tools and support, you can create a truly innovative company culture that will help your business stand out.

Let us give you and your team the tools to promote innovation in your company. If you're rready to transform your business in all aspects, then reach out to us.