Moving Beyond “Doing” to “Being”. Are You Leading Innovatively?
In the world of business and life, everyone talks about the need to “do” innovation. The directive is everywhere: innovate or perish. But I’ve come to believe that focusing solely on “doing” innovation isn’t the key. Instead, the magic lies in how to “be” innovative.
Why? Because being innovative isn’t about a one-time event or a single breakthrough. It’s a mindset, a way of life. It’s the capacity to see the world differently, to question the status quo, and to envisage new possibilities, whether you’re a scientist in a lab, an executive in a boardroom, or a parent at the dinner table.
Let’s consider the challenge we face. The human brain, as remarkable an organ as it is, tends to lean toward patterns and routines. We find comfort in the familiar and in the consistency of established systems. This predilection for the known makes breaking away from tried and tested solutions a struggle.
But fear not. We can hack this system. By fostering critical thinking and cultivating a culture of curiosity, we can steer our brains towards innovative thinking. Here’s how:
1. Embrace a Mindset of Continuous Learning
Begin by acknowledging that you don’t have all the answers. In fact, one could argue that the most innovative thinkers are those who are profoundly aware of their knowledge gaps. They are driven by the desire to learn and grow, constantly seeking out new experiences, perspectives, and skills. In this way, each of us becomes a student of life, always exploring, always evolving.
2. Challenge Assumptions
Critical thinking necessitates that we regularly question and test our assumptions. This is true in our professional lives, where market conditions, customer needs, and technologies are in constant flux. But it’s also true personally, as our interactions with friends, family, and the world at large are frequently based on unexamined beliefs.
3. Make Time for Reflection
In the hustle of life, it’s easy to ignore the need for reflection. But carving out a regular space for thought can catalyze innovation. Use this time to question, to challenge, to dream. Engage with diverse topics, reflect on different viewpoints, and examine your own thoughts. It is in these moments of quiet introspection that the seeds of innovation often take root.
4. Foster a Safe Environment for Expression
Whether you’re a leader in an organization or the head of a family, foster an environment where others feel safe to express their thoughts, however outlandish. Creating a culture of psychological safety encourages the free exchange of ideas and fosters a spirit of collaboration. Remember, every revolutionary idea was once considered crazy.
5. Celebrate Failure
There’s a stigma around failure that we need to address. Every failed attempt is a stepping stone towards innovation, a lesson learned, and an opportunity to grow. Embrace failure as an integral part of the process of innovation. By removing the fear of failure, we encourage risk-taking and open the door to unexplored possibilities.
Being innovative is not about getting it right the first time; it’s about relentless exploration and a persistent desire to improve. It’s about a mindset that views every challenge as an opportunity and every failure as a lesson. It’s a way of being that stretches beyond our professional lives and spills into our personal spheres, enriching every moment with the potential for something extraordinary.
As we cultivate this innovative mindset, we not only change how we see the world, but we also change the world itself. We become not just doers of innovation, but embodiments of it.
