Written by: Natalie Turner, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
As we ended the year, I had the pleasure of being a guest speaker on the captivating Innovation Storyteller's Podcast hosted by Susan Lindner. It was a delightful way to wrap up last year, and as I revisited the conversation we had this morning, it rekindled the realisation that in a world that often celebrates the grandeur of ground-breaking technologies, innovation isn’t just about the flashy, world-changing inventions we often hear about; it's an intricate dance of creativity, purpose, and determination – a crucial blend we need as we step into this new chapter of our lives.
Allow me to share some of its highlights with you.
Chapter 1: The grand illusion of "big I" innovation
Innovation, for most of us, conjures images of revolutionary gadgets and life-altering discoveries. But is that all there is to it? The truth is, innovation is a multifaceted gem with many facets. It's not just about those 'Big I' moments; it's about the small steps, the whispers of change, and the everyday innovations that often go unnoticed.
Chapter 2: Navigating the unknown with the six 'I's®
To traverse the landscape of innovation, we need a map. The Six 'I's®—Identify, Ignite, Investigate, Invest, Implement, and Improve can serve as our guiding stars through the complex and messy terrain of innovation. They light the path toward purposeful creation.
Chapter 3: Knowing ourselves, finding our strengths
Innovation isn't reserved for the elite few in corporate towers or high-tech labs. It's a call that reaches everyone, from the coffee shop dreamer to the corporate visionary. To answer this call, we must first know ourselves. Understand our strengths and identify where we thrive in the innovation dance.
Chapter 4: The heartbeat of purpose-driven innovation
At the core of the Six 'I's® lies PURPOSE. Purpose-driven innovation isn't just about creating something new; it's about creating something meaningful. It's about aligning our innovation efforts with goals that leave a positive impact on the world. After all, not all innovation is created equal.
Chapter 5: The courageous 'invest' phase
One of the most critical chapters in the innovation dance is 'Invest.' Here, many promising ideas falter because they lack the support and resources needed to flourish. Courage becomes the hero of this phase — the courage to seek resources, funding, and the backing required to move ideas forward.
Chapter 6: Collaborative smphony and the art of storytelling
No dance is complete without partners. Collaboration is the secret sauce of innovation. When we collaborate with others whose strengths complement our weaknesses, the outcomes become extraordinary. And what's a dance without a compelling story? Effective storytelling plays a pivotal role in pitching ideas, gaining support, and fostering a shared understanding.
Chapter 7: Embracing everyday innovation
Innovation shouldn't be confined to specific departments or projects; it should be woven into the very fabric of our daily lives. 'Everyday innovation' invites us to embrace diverse thinking in all aspects of our work, from the mundane to the extraordinary.
Chapter 8: The heartfelt melody of empathy and communication
Empathy, active listening, and clear communication form the backdrop of our innovation dance. These skills enable us to understand the needs of our customers, stakeholders, and team members, fostering collaboration and creating a positive environment.
Let’s continue to dance, innovate, and shape a positive future with our creative steps.
To learn more about The Six 'I's® and how it can help the dance of innovation, register for Natalie’s free Masterclass – Six Keys to Unlocking The Innovative Potential of Teams.
Listen or watch the replay for the whole experience.
Natalie Turner, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Natalie is an experienced innovation specialist having spent over 25 years working as a corporate innovation director, a business consultant, and an entrepreneur. She has worked for and consulted with some of the world’s leading organisations including Cisco Systems, GSK, Edgewell, and the Singapore Government. The inventor of The Six ‘I’s® of Innovation and author of the Award-Winning Book, Yes, You Can Innovate, Natalie has made her passion for purpose and people-driven innovation practical as well as inspirational to elevate people’s thinking on not only what they can create, but how – the mind, skill sets and cultural environments – that make everyday innovation happen.
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