Open or Closed To Innovation?

As a leader, are you open or closed to change and the work of innovation? A few weeks ago, I wondered why I was struggling with an exam (yes, I still take tests). I'm a pretty good test-taker and know that answers can often be determined by how the question is phrased ("are" implies multiple, "is" implies one for example). 

When we consider the possible answers, unless the question explicitly says, 'multiple choice' or 'select all that apply,' we might assume there is only one correct answer. My struggle that day helped me understand that I was failing because I was not open to other possible answers. Might you be struggling with an ongoing leadership challenge because you are closed to other possibilities?

I don't need to remind you that the times we are leading in often require divergent ways of connecting and responding to challenges. As a leader how will you manage the demands of a BANI world (see previous blogs on that), while creating work that succeeds? 

Here are some questions to help you check your ability to be open to alternative answers to your leadership challenges:

·       Leadership is not just about plans, but about people. Are you open to those who think differently than you? When is the last time you seriously advanced an idea or strategy that came from someone who doesn't think like you?

·       What in your 2026 strategic plan looks different than 2025? Has your strategy been to keep your head down and not make waves? While that plan may seem the safe way to go given the changes we are experiencing, how effective has it been for you?

·       Which projects are you so attached to that you are struggling to shift resources away from them? Can you identify why a pet project didn't work? What will you do differently now?

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Whether we are discussing people, plans, or projects, remember that there is more than one possible solution to your dilemma. Cultivating a mindset that is open to other possibilities will give your team and organization another tool to innovate through the challenges of a BANI environment.