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EXPLORE THE LEADER IN YOU ENCOURAGES INNOVATION Y E W A T H AD I N G LE MAP 6 BY THE WAY WE LEAD

Encourages Innovation Champions new ideas and different approaches aimed at enhancing ACH s services processes and workplace INDIVIDUAL TEAM Recognizes needed improvements in work processes and pursues ways to achieve better results Recognizes and shares the need and reasons for change Receptive to ideas brought forward by others Thinks outside the box and challenges status quo Expresses opinions in a constructive way even if they differ with others Is flexible in responding to change Resilient to setbacks and understands they are necessary for innovation and learning Networks to learn best practices Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas and manages associated risks Shows support for needed changes and encourages others to contribute Helps staff to manage stress LIMITING BEHAVIORS ORGANIZATION Finds and shares insights and practices from our industry and peer organizations Brings best practices and new learning to life agency wide Understands and plans to overcome barriers to change Communicates the need and vision for change balances urgency and capacity to adapt Perseveres with change efforts and keeps staff up to date Embeds change in systems processes and behaviors Complains without offering solutions Tends to be limited by current or existing frames of reference Remains resistant to external ideas displays not invented here mentality Dismisses policies procedures or standards claiming innovation

Action Trail When it comes to innovation it s not the idea that carries the most value but rather it s what we do with that idea that counts Encouragement inspires confidence and everyone throughout the organization will be motivated to dedicate their time energy and creativity when they are committed to what they are doing and know their ideas have been considered Dedicating time forums and physical space to make connections with everyone from across the organization is a good first step Model active listening with your team and others Free your mind of clutter so you are fully present in the moment Try repeating back or summarizing what you have taken from the conversation to ensure understanding With your team directly communicate how everyone s ideas are valued and ensure discussions are a two way street As a first step consider if there any internal processes that could be stifling innovation with the team Brainstorm ideas and discuss ways with your team to streamline processes to quickly help turn ideas into action Recognize that as a leader you are a model for the entire team Think creatively with your own work discuss creative ideas with everyone and model this with your team Be bold and step outside the box and see the many ways in which everyone creatively responds in return

Connection Cove Though one person may come up with an innovative idea nobody creates great innovation solely on their own Collaborating and working together is an important step toward successful innovation Equally important is shaping the environment in a way that everyone can see the new possibilities and the value of innovation When everyone is invited to bring forth new ideas given ownership of these ideas and can work with others to implement them we are encouraging innovation Here are some suggestions on how you can get started Practice and encourage possibility thinking Instead of thinking We already tried that or It won t work adopt a What if mindset and be willing to make adjustments that might lead to an idea that does work Keep your team in the loop on the strategies and challenges of the organization Invite ideas thoughts and comments and share these with others across the organization Involvement and input early on in processes and plans motivates everyone to see them through to completion Active participation from everyone will fuel more ideas and lead to great innovative solutions When everyone can take safe risks with new ideas and are encouraged to attempt new ways of doing things we may stumble across the next great solution Even when we implement a new idea and things do not go as we thought they would it s a great opportunity to learn from the experience and work toward finding the best solution Above all be encouraged and encourage others to always be open to new ideas and possibilities

Training Quest Idea generation is just the first step in encouraging innovation The real challenges come after the early brainstorming sessions when you have to take the ideas generated during these sessions through the development process Having a concise roadmap and or stepby step strategies will put everyone involved in the development process on the same page so everyone is working toward the same objectives Here are some additional resources to help you Have everyone on the team take a survey such as Strengths Finders to assist with the recognition of individual differences Use these differences to help strengthen the team and strategize and processes for implementing innovative ideas Observe a senior leader to see how they go about developing strategies and solutions Ask a mentor or your immediate supervisor for examples of how they develop strategies and solutions to accomplish a task Try out a different style of strategy or decisionmaking process for yourself and the team In Power DMS search for the Encourages Innovation course and read The Four Most Powerful Types of Creative Thinking Web Article Complete the edX online training course from Imperial College London Creative Thinking Techniques and Tools for Success it s free just click the Enroll Now button to get started

You have to have a big vision and take very small steps to get there You have to be humble as you execute but visionary and gigantic in terms of your aspiration Jason Calacanis