Leading innovation: Mutual trust (week 8)

Leading innovation: Mutual trust (illustration of happy group of fresh vegetables, concept of mutual trust)

 

Fresh Leadership For A New Age: A Series On The Art And Practice Of Leading Innovation The award-winning book Collective Genius by our founding partners Dr. Linda Hill and team reveals the strategies behind some of the world’s most innovative organizations. Their research makes it clear that a fresh approach to leadership is critical for organizations needing to sustain innovation or create transformative change. This 22-week series features tips on when and how you can bring this new leadership style to life in your organization. - image shows a lightbulb made of fresh fruit

Leading innovation: Mutual Trust (week 8)

To lead innovation with mutual trust, focus on your people’s competence and character over seniority and knowledge.

This is our 8th installment in the Leading Innovation series. See the rest of the series here.

Traditional leadership:

The conventional view has been that trustworthiness is based on one’s seniority and knowledge.

A fresh approach:

In the new era, mutual trust is based on competence and character.

Bring it to life:

  • Actively create a trustworthy environment, which begins when you behave in a trustworthy manner and practice discretion.
  • Be honest about your intentions, and encourage others to be as well.
  • Make public statements that are consistent with your private statements and actions; do what you say.
  • Hire on the basis of character, as well as competence.
  • Balance confidence with vulnerability and encourage others to do so.
  • Match your words to your actions.

Next week: Psychological safety

 

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.