Did you know that you can be the most innovative person & organization in your community?
Yes…YOU!
It doesn’t take a massive budget or an uber creative team. While both of those help, they’re not necessary. Culture is what creates places where innovation thrives or dies.
In a recent study done by Forbes magazine and EVP Kathy Gersch on companies that have created the most innovative products over the past year, five statements have been identified as innovation and creativity killers. As a leader, hearing these statements assures me we’re in trouble and I need to do something to adjust us quickly:
1. Can We Do That? As churches and organizations, we should be leading with vision. When we’re not making our vision clear, people feel they have to ask permission rather than knowing what’s in and out of bounds. When vision is clear, our teams create and innovate without the fear of missing.
2. That Can’t Be Done. Either because we’re afraid of failing and we’ve seen how that has impacted those who have failed before us, or because we’ve created a ceiling on what’s possible – this statement should strike fear in us any time we hear it. We need to be building environments where people feel they can try, work, and do anything.
3. We Need Permission/Approval. Red tape kills innovation. I truly believe that Trust & Control can’t coexist. Great innovative companies avoid bureaucracy and create environments where people can excel in their work and in community with others.
4. This Is Good Enough. There’s a stat that has identified that 70% of all efforts to create change fails. Good is the enemy of great. Always. Teams that innovate don’t quit, settle, or allow themselves to be finished until they’ve exceeded expectations.
5. Not My Job. Owners never say this. Renters live on it. Anyone who feels this way likely does not have what it takes to do what’s necessary to create something lasting, amazing, and innovative. Creative innovators know that nothing is out of bounds, everything is necessary, and we’re better when we become exposed to diverse responsibility.
If you hear these statements, start coaching. If coaching doesn’t work, make some changes. Creativity is essential – not an option – to succeed in the future.
What would you add to this list?
