b'THE HR HANDBOOKAre You Blinded by the Light?IM GUIDING A MULTI-COMPANYorganizationalto current activities or products. Internal innovations leadership initiative using a 360-degree feedbackmay necessitate multiple changes in work processes. instrument as a starting point. Typically, 360 feedbackExplaining the origin of an idea and considering its identifies weaknesses or blind spots. A significant trendripple effects helps others join the journey.weve noticed is the disparity between an individuals self-assessment of their innovative leadership quali- Timing is Everythingties and the perception of their observers. IndividualsThe timing of involving others in the innovation pro-consistently score themselves higher, essentially beingcess is crucial. Thoughtful leaders often develop their blinded by the light. innovations extensively before presenting them, which Lets explore why this disparity exists and how tocan lead to defensiveness if others dont immediately BY JONATHAN SHAVERbridge the gap to ensure groundbreaking ideas arerecognize the value or feel excluded from the process. President and ownerimpactful and embraced by your team. Conversely, some leaders introduce ideas prematurely, of Envision Partnerscausing confusion and lack of resonance. Balancing LLC.The Strategic Importance of Innovation the timing involves sharing ideas early enough to Innovation is a strategic pillar for many organiza- incorporate feedback but not so early that they seem tions, often supported by dedicated departments.undeveloped.Its increasingly measured in leadership qualities. Innovation involves introducing new ideas, products, or solutions that significantly impact and add value. However, for innovation to be truly impactful, it must be accepted and adopted by others. New ideas alone are insufficient; their value is maxi-mized when others embrace them. For innovation to be truly impactful, it must be Effective innovation requires other leadership quali- accepted and adopted by others.ties, such as being conservative. Conservative leaders use past experiences to guide decisions, needing more data than innovative decision-makers who thrive on minimal data. Balancing these approaches involves gathering sufficient data to demonstrate an ideas impact and value.Finally, its vital to help others identify strengths they The best discussions focus not on the idea itself butmay overlook. If we possess capabilities valuable to on the data needed to make informed decisions, forothers, we must highlight them by complementing our example, What would need to be true for us to movestrengths with other leadership qualities. Innovation is forward with this idea? important to most organizations, but new ideas are just the beginning. To create value and impact, we must help Contextual Thinking and Innovation others see what we see. Consider how you can modify High innovation also requires contextual thinking. Newyour approach to help others recognize the value and ideas rarely emerge in isolation; they often connectimpact of your ideas. SWLATAMSEEDWORLD.COM /27'