Leading innovation: Mutual influence (week 7)
To lead innovation with mutual influence, build mutually respectful and beneficial relationships. Influence is two-way.
Traditional leadership:
The conventional view has been that influence is tied to your seniority, position, or who you know. Influence is one-way.
A fresh approach:
In the new era, influence is mutual and tied to your ability to build mutually respectful and beneficial relationships. Influence is two-way.
Bring it to life:
- Try to discover everyone’s opinion and be patient and receptive while they make their case
- Expect and seek feedback from all that can be helpful
- Encourage people to advocate for their points of view
- Evaluate ideas based on their merits, not on who contributed the idea
- Take all employees’ ideas seriously, whether they are senior or junior, expert or novice, etc.
- Ensure that meetings and conversations are not dominated by a few voices, including your own
- Aim to step back in meetings. Avoid derailing/taking over conversations or always having the last word
- Ensure all teams are soliciting input
Next Week: Mutual Trust
Foster a culture of mutual trust based on competence and character.
Innovation solutions from Paradox Strategies
Our Collective Genius simulation and learning journey is designed to help leaders inspire action, nourish creativity, and build a culture of innovation. We also offer keynotes and our proprietary innovation diagnostic assessments re:Mind™ and re:Route™ as first steps in developing the mindset, culture, and capabilities of innovative organizations. Contact us via the form below if you would like to know how to bring these great tools to your organization.