Over the past few years I have written a lot in this blog about innovation and the need for leaders to be willing to keep changing their methods in order to remain relevant to today’s culture. A little while back I quoted a great little book, Put More Butts in the Seats, that basically stated, “Innovation is key.” It’s still true. Leaders and their organizations must remain in the creative process, or they will fade from relevance and effectiveness. Innovation has always been a key driver of success, and it is becoming even more so as we look further into the 21st century. In my course dealing with strategic foresight, the texts take this argument to new levels and restate this truth as “Innovate and adapt or die.”
How does one do that? Canton states, innovators “are open. They explore. They envision the future, have long-term forecasts, are not afraid of breaking rules, and are, above all else, they are courageous, even in the face of failure, criticism, and disaster. They have the capacity to change fast, fail fast, and succeed fast. They are always looking for opportunity to embrace emerging innovations to create value” for their organizations.
As one aspiring to be a great leader, I have come to the conclusion that this advice of “Innovate and adapt or die” is directed at me, and to anyone else who wants to continue to be effective with their followers and organizations. How about you? Are you willing to face the challenges of being a champion of change? It’s a huge question that must be answered by all of us who are called to step up and face down the status quo. It takes having your ducks in a row, doing your research, and facing those who refuse to look forward with courage and steadfastness. It’s no easy task, particularly if you lead an organization full of people determined to keep things the same (even when doing so is gradually bringing about their demise). Gordon writes, “It is obvious that powerful forces or vested interests, whether corporate, political, or military [or other organizations], are often heavily invested in the status quo and may use their resources [influence or power] directly, or behind the scenes, acting to prevent outcomes that would be detrimental to their success [or self-interest].”
To quote one more author, Cornish states, “Change is the star on the stage of world events.” So true. Nothing is as certain as change, and for those who can learn to embrace the positive outcomes that come with learning how to adapt, grow and innovate, the future is very bright. As leaders we have a responsibility to keep our eyes on the future. Yes, we must take care of the people in the present, but if we want our organizations to still be around a generation from now, we must be proactive and plan and prepare for the unique needs of those who are coming. Our focus must be on future needs, not our personal preferences. We must take our eyes off of ourselves and put them on others, particularly those who will one day take the reins of leadership. Today we must model selfless leadership that says “You are more important than I am.” If we can do that, future leaders will do the same and the world and our organizations will be better off. Let’s all take the advice – “Innovate and adapt or die!”
Lead well.