Innovation, or the act or process of introducing new ideas, is critical in today’s business environment. Innovation helps determine who industry leaders are and how effective a leader is in introducing or embracing something new. This trait allows individuals and companies alike to stand above the competition and achieve industry breakthroughs.
Introspection allows leaders to calculate their ability to be innovative. Judge your innovation quotient with these vital questions:
- What is your vision and purpose? Leaders must know their purpose and be willing to improve in pursuit of that purpose. They also must understand what is important to them and convey this importance to others. It is essential that leaders crystalize their visions so that supporters can follow suit.
- What are your values? The leader must display values that allow both employees and customers to know the leader is ethical. This goes beyond just a “walking the walk and talking the talk” principle; it boils down to being accountable for your actions and making your values the core of your company and the services you provide.
- What are your passions? Great leaders are very passionate about their vocation and how it benefits others. They live this passion every day, and that is what inspires employees to give their best efforts at work.
- What are your goals for the next year? It is important that the leader verbalizes the goals so that all members of the team know the company’s direction. Equally, as goals are accomplished and new goals emerge, those actions have to be verbalized too to promote active goal achievement.
- What are your brands defining attributes? The leader must have a personal brand that is unique to him or her and defines what sets them apart from others.
This innovation assessment lets the leader know if they are ready to champion innovation. Success is dependent on those who work for the company. The leader must do a great job of branding him or herself, other employees, and the company to allow the company itself to move from being a commodity to being innovative.
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