September 23, 2009 (10:08 AM) by Raff Viton
Managers of innovation: Leadership implies movement. Leadership implies a destination. So, leaders of innovation, here’s question No. 1... “Why should I follow you?”
Your team wants to know why they should follow your lead. They need to see and understand how you are going to take them where they need to go. Don't tell them; show them — by focusing on the essential, not the merely important, by staying above the drama, by leaning in to adversity and by finding opportunities. 1) Focus on the essential, not the merely important. Here’s an “essential vs. important” cheat sheet: The important is rational; essentials are emotional. The important you put on a to-do list; essentials go on a to-die-for list. 2) Stay above the drama. Recessions/transitions/restructurings are by definition temporary. Understanding that is key to your ability to focus on the desired outcome and the kind of organization you want to build. 3) Lean into adversity and find opportunities. Believe in yourself, and if you need inspiration to stay the course, borrow from the best. Warren Buffett made his fortune by following an adage he came up with a long time ago: "Be fearful when others are greedy — be greedy when others are fearful." Read the full post at BusinessWeek.com
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