I am so proud!
Have you ever been really proud of someone? I mean, really proud?
Well, over the last few months, I have had the privilege of working with an amazing group of innovation catalysts at Abbott Canada determined to launch an innovation initiative within their organization. I can’t even begin to tell you how proud I am of them. You see, these dedicated leaders understand that launching a more ideas from more people more often program takes a great deal more than ideas.
They understand that it takes conviction: conviction that innovation is the path to greater growth and that a missed idea is a missed opportunity to make a difference.
They understand that it takes commitment: commitment to the challenge of change – not just for today but for the months and the years to come.
They understand that it takes courage: the courage to ask the tough questions and to truly listen to the answers.
But in addition to conviction, commitment and courage, this special group has a fundamental understanding that will go a long way to ensuring that their innovation initiative will actually succeed.
They understand that “It takes two to Tango.”
Innovation Insight #45
It takes two to Tango!
Imagine watching a couple perform a perfectly executed demonstration of the tango. Their bodies move together seamlessly. One leads, the other follows but both are essential to the dance.
Creating an Innovation Advantage™ culture is much like the refined and yet passionate Tango because more ideas from more people more often can only succeed if two catalytic commitments move together to create the dance.
On the one hand, the culture must lead with a catalytic commitment to inspire people to
Think Differently: See what hasn’t been seen; ask what hasn’t been asked; do what hasn’t been done.
Share Ideas Openly: Have the courage to share ideas and to build on other ideas with courage and respect
Act Boldly: Ideas without action are irrelevant. Be bold. Have courage. Take risks
However, if more ideas from more people more often
is to become an integral and sustainable part of any organization, then that culture must follow with a catalytic commitment to
Educate: Clarify expectations. Teach skills. Provide feedback.
Support: Support the program with systems for how ideas are shared, evaluated, funded and implemented.
Engage: Respect input. Reward effort. Learn from shared experience.
It takes two to Tango. Lead with ideas – Follow with support and I will be as proud of you as I am of the team at Abbott Canada.
Imagine the Possibilities!
-Toni Newman
Quote of the Week
“Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose.”
Steve Jobs
Inspiration of the Week
Abbott Canada has four corporate values, one of which is Caring. Check out this link and be inspired by how four amazing Abbott employees chose to bring that value to life.
Leave for Change
Turning Ideas into Results!
Please feel free to contact me at toni@toninewman.com
with any stories about how Innovation Insights has helped you to turn ideas into results.
