Are YOU An Innovative Leader?

This morning, I had a coaching call with my coach and we discussed what it looks like to be an innovative leader.   

I realized during our conversation, several times, when I was either frustrated, discouraged, or looking for a solution the answer was right in front of me the whole time. My coach helped me open my mind and really go back to my roots, leading me to see that one of my values of innovation was the thing that I was looking for! This is what would guide me to the next level of success or solving a particular problem or the team was dealing with. 

So what is an Innovative Leader?

An innovative leader is someone who fosters a culture of creativity, encourages new ideas, and drives continuous improvement within their team or organization. They are forward-thinking, open to change, and unafraid to take calculated risks. An innovative leader inspires and empowers their team to think outside the box, experiment with new approaches, and adapt to evolving challenges.

What are you doing to improve as an Innovative Leader? Here are some key points that have helped me:

1. Cultivate Curiosity

Stay curious about emerging trends, technologies, and ideas. Encourage learning and exploration within your team.

2. Create a Safe Environment 

Foster an atmosphere where team members feel comfortable sharing unconventional ideas without fear of criticism.

3. Embrace Diversity

Value diverse perspectives and backgrounds, as they often lead to more innovative solutions.

4. Encourage Experimentation

Allow your team to try new approaches, even if they come with the risk of failure. Encourage a “fail fast, learn faster” mentality.

5. Lead by Example

Demonstrate your own willingness to take risks and learn from mistakes.

6. Provide Resources

Allocate time, budget, and resources for innovative projects. Support your team’s efforts to bring new ideas to life.

Adopting these traits and making sure you continually evolve to help serve your team will not only shape you into becoming a great & innovative leader, but it will also allow you to mold new leaders within your team. That is how you can achieve the next level of success!