Leading Innovation

Some people are just more naturally creative, more innovative. We all know this to be true. But there’s good news for the innovatively-challenged: everyone can cultivate five virtues to lead innovation.

Integrity – It turns out this is the key to building trust. And trust is essential for employees to feel ok with vulnerability: a prerequisite to sharing new ideas.

Magnanimity – Learn how to say, spell, and perform this long-forgotten virtue: the ability to inspire others to do great things.

Humility – Serve and put the needs of others above your own to engender loyalty, respect and a willingness to go the extra mile to succeed.

Authenticity – Leverage your strengths and lead from the core of who you are. A diverse team around you needs the real you as much as you need them.

Courage – The origin of this word is the Latin word ‘cor’ meaning heart. Lead with your whole heart in the face of risk and potential failure.

Every company is dependent on many forms of innovation: products and services, marketing initiatives, more productive and efficient operations, and more innovative strategies to name just a few. Consequently, no matter what area of the business you work in, cultivating these five virtues will give you the foundation to not only participate but lead successful innovation efforts.