OK, so we aren’t in the aerospace business nor do we have anything to do with NASA – and this blog isn’t about anything to do with space. But as you read on, you will see the connection and about NOT being the “Astronaut” when it comes to leading innovation in our company. Let me explain…
There was a great article written in Chief Executive.net called, “Don’t Be That CEO: 4 Leadership Styles That Will Kill Innovation.” Brian and I have been personally talking about the issue of best approaches to bring a more formalized process into our own business and looking at how others are doing it. This was a great article that helped support a lot of our thinking about some positive approaches (and not so positive approaches) for a while now.
When we decided to blog about innovation we also spent many hours trying to determine what would be of most value to our customers, employees, partners, vendors, and anyone else that read our stories. What we settled on is what we are most passionate about and believe in the most – trying to innovate in small ways that can lead to great changes – Simplivative. Taking the simple ideas people have and turn them into innovative ways to better serve our customers and employees. We decided not to be the “Astronaut” and look only for the big bang innovation (when you read the article you will see what it means to be an Astronaut and the other 3 misguided leadership styles).
So not focusing on being the Astronaut is obviously my humorous way of saying, we believe that there are tens, hundreds, even thousands of great innovative ideas all around us every day. Finding a way to not only recognize them but harness them is the REAL CHALLENGE of any CEO or business leader, including ourselves. But if we all work together and try to find ways we can always innovate and improve, we will not only help our own companies, but we will help each other. That makes innovation happen much faster and when it happens faster, our economy wins…and everyone wins! Are you one of these 4 styles? Would you admit it if you were? Which one do you think will help your own business the most? Share your thoughts…that is how we all become more innovative!
I know from personal experience that if the right person is given a financial incentive and treated like an entrepreneur rather than an employee, it lights up a fire inside him/her that drives innovation. Not everyone is motivated by financial incentives. You first have to evaluate the individual to find out what makes him tick.
One core value that a great company should embrace is to treat those in leadership positions like entrepreneurs. That makes for an exciting work environment that is always focused finding the best new approach to make money.
Mark
Thanks for taking time to share your thoughts and comments – we appreciate it and your perspectives.
I like how you used the term “treated like an entrepreneur” as I fully support that concept. Those that have the entrepreneurial spirit are far better equipped to think innovatively rather than just “get the job done”. You need both to make a company work and be successful.
You are also correct that people are not primarily motivated by financial incentives – I think it still ranks third from the reports I have seen in how employees are motivated. As you stated, if someone is entrepreneurial by nature, they are motivated by a sense of accomplishment and creating something rather than by the money. Rewarding them with financial rewards may or may not be another motivator but it can certainly be a contributing factor. Generally there are other rewards that are equal or more important than financial.
I also like the way you think about leadership – completely agree. If they are thinking innovatively, the people they manage tend to be more innovative or at least feel less risk of being innovative. Overall, it is a positive combination for any company.
Thanks again for sharing!