“Go out on a limb. That’s where the fruit is.” – Jimmy Carter
At BA-Squared, we think stakeholder engagement is the key to creativity, collaboration and innovation. If your stakeholders are too busy, distracted, apathetic or bored, then status quo will rule your organization. If you can’t get your stakeholders to participate, interact and debate then it’s impossible to inspire and manage change.
So, how do you help your organization leave the security of the earth to climb the tree and reach for the fruit?
No matter your position on the org chart, you can lead by example. Experiment with new techniques that engage your stakeholders. Get their attention! Draw them into the conversation. Help them feel comfortable sharing ideas.
Inspire others by boosting your facilitation skills to include fun, games, visuals. Break the mold and try something different!
Here are a few ways you can be an innovation role model:
- Take baby steps. Find a way to apply new ideas in phases or fit new techniques into current procedures.
- Practice new techniques in a low risk meeting with a small group of friendly stakeholders.
- Get “permission” to try something new by spinning it to address a pain point the team is having.
- Sell the benefits of new techniques to your stakeholders, prepare well, and then deliver!
- Ask for feedback after you try techniques so you can share successes and tailor future techniques.
- Bonnie and Clyde. Find a partner in crime. Get a teammate to help you experiment with new techniques.
Take risks! Lead by example and bring change to your organization. If you need innovation inspiration? Scroll down to the resource section below.
“I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.”-Pablo Picasso