What thoughts come to mind when you consider the idea of innovative leadership? Perhaps you might think about leaders who have revolutionized the world with their creations. And while that level of disruptive innovation can be part of innovative leadership, much innovation occurs in organizations each day as a result of emerging needs and challenges. So, innovative leadership can include ideas that are new, bold, and broad, but also those that are much more pragmatic and that foster more incremental change. In addition, innovative leadership is often displayed not solely through the creative ideas and actions of one person but through teams of people who bring their own creativity and ideas to the fore. Innovative leaders often value inclusion and seek out multiple, diverse perspectives; in doing so, they can harness their team’s potential to achieve a common purpose or goal more effectively.
It is likely that one or more of the products you currently use was brought about as a result of innovation. But have you ever considered how that innovation came about, who led the effort, and how they did so? Perhaps you have even been part of a team that did something unique and innovative, or you had a leader that encouraged others to bring forward fresh ideas and welcomed input or suggestions for how to change things within your organization. When you think of innovative leadership, what comes to mind? Do you picture yourself as an innovative leader? If you were to grow as an innovative leader, consider what opportunities that might create for your organization, your career, and your personal and professional development.
Post a synthesis of innovative leadership traits that you could incorporate into your own leadership. Specifically:
• Provide at least one example of an innovative leader and explain what traits make (or made) that leader innovative.
• Explain what about that individual’s leadership inspires you to take a more innovative approach to your own leadership.
Sample Solution