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Put your people first.
Supporting the people that report to you should be your biggest priority.
That’s the latest mantra when it comes to leadership.
Some big names talk about this approach: Simon Sinek, Brene Brown, Gary Vaynerchuk.
I support anything that is human-centered!
Especially when not every workplace does this yet.
But what do you do if you don’t have people reporting to you?
Do you just put your head down, work hard and wait until you do?
Absolutely not.
There’s another evolution of leadership that others are missing.
One that is even more empowering.
You don’t need to be a manager of people to be this kind of leader.
It’s leading though innovation.
Every function, organization and company needs innovation.
It is the way to growth.
And the beauty is… you don’t need a title to practice innovation.
In fact, the most successful companies have people leading innovation at every level.
So… how do you do this?
Fortunately, It’s really pretty simple.
You don’t need a degree to learn innovation.
But it helps to have a process.
Follow these three steps, and you’ll be on your way!
"The value of an idea lies in the using of it."
1) Find an Idea or Vision
This does not have to be your own! You can champion someone else’s idea, with their permission. Lots of people have ideas… not everyone wants to lead them or do the work to make them real
Be sure that it is an idea that provides a real value or benefit to someone.
You want to be passionate about the problem you are fixing… this is your fuel through the ups and downs of innovation. It’s stronger than will power.
2) Share it with Others
Don’t discriminate… share it with everyone! You don’t need to protect your idea. Most people will not do the work to make it real like you are doing.
Sharing gives you a chance to test your idea and make it stronger.
Don’t ask if they like it – the best ideas aren’t about liking. The best ideas are whether they work. Ask what works and ask what doesn’t work with your idea.
You don’t have to take everyone’s advice. Be objective of what you think is actually helpful.
3) Listen to and collaborate with the people who spark to what you share
Not everyone is going to be as excited as you about your idea – and that’s ok!
As you are sharing, look for the people who do get excited. Those are your people that will help make it happen. Recruit them onto your team!
Even though people may be excited about your idea, they will likely need someone to guide the direction and process. That’s you! That’s leadership. You don’t have to know everything… and in innovation, you usually don’t. But someone has to decide on the direction to move forward.
That’s it.
That’s leading using innovation.
And most people don’t do it.
Even those who have management titles forget they can do this too.
Start taking action, and you’ll stand out.
Go… Lead from right where you are.
– Laura @ Mindtap
“The value of an idea lies in the using of it.”
– Thomas Edison
American inventor and businessman
