LeadershipMountainsAudiences for leadership advice and guidance have a surprising appetite for simplicity. Despite ample evidence that workplaces, organisations and even that near meaningless phrase, ‘life in general’, are complex, ambiguous and more organic than systematic, it is the soundbite, the pull quote or the numbered list that grabs their attention. In the spirit of ‘giving them what they want’, therefore, a single sentence of advice about leading for creativity and innovation:

Be the great leader you always wished you’d had.

The hallmarks of the exceptional leader

The attributes of the best workplace leaders are not a mystery. Exceptional leaders and managers share many characteristics:

While these are attributes and behaviours that we would all like see displayed more often, and by more leaders, there is one mystery than does need to be exposed. These are also the characteristics that most enhance and inspire creativity and innovation.

What do we mean by innovation?

Creativity and innovation are not just about products and services, although those are the arenas most frequently associated with them. Innovation also has a vital role to play in organisational design, team working, job design, customer service (internally and externally) – indeed, in every aspect of organisational life. Innovation is about doing things not just differently, but better. And what else should exceptional leadership lead to?

Assuming that the organisation is committed to improving its offering, its competitiveness and its sustainability – and alarm bells should already have been ringing if this is not the case – that commitment should already be evident at every level. While management commentators may argue about the difference (if any) between innovation and change, if they are not synonymous they are at least co-dependent: innovating successfully requires subsequent change. ‘Better’ has to mean ‘differently’, and ‘getting better’ has to start with both wanting it to happen and allowing it to proceed.

Four myths of innovation

Innovation also means challenging pre-conceived ideas, but leading for innovation also means accepting that pre-conceived ideas about innovation itself may need to be reconsidered:

Some counter-intuitive final advice for innovation leaders? Look back. Remember that job you were so excited to get, where you had so many ideas about how you could help to make a real change? And then remember the manager who didn’t listen to them or offer encouragement.

Don’t be them. Your team – and your organisation – will thank you.

To find out more, come to the World of Learning Conference seminar – Creating Creative Environments – that Liaquat will be leading in Theatre 2 on Wednesday 19 October at 13.45. To find out more about all of ASK’s services or speak to one of our consultants, visit us at Stand G80 on 19-20 October 2016.