Why the Core Skill for Leading For Innovation is Empathy

Posted by Cris Beswick
On 22/05/2023

As a leader in an organisation that wants to drive innovation, it is crucial to have the ability to understand and relate to your people. Empathy is essential for creating effective cultures that allow organisations to thrive in increasingly competitive environments. Allowing leaders to develop empathy-based relationships can make all the difference towards creativity, innovation, […]

Why Mutual Obligation is the key to Leading FOR Innovation

Posted by Cris Beswick
On 14/03/2023

When I talk about leadership in the context of innovation, I’m always particular about using the phrase ‘leading FOR innovation’ not ‘innovation leadership’ because building a culture for innovation isn’t about leaders becoming innovators; it’s about leaders building a system and environment where innovation can thrive. In ‘Innovation is a Team Sport’, I unpacked my […]

Innovation is a Team Sport

Posted by Cris Beswick
On 01/03/2023

At OUTCOME, we believe innovation is a system game, meaning it’s a team sport. The challenge is that many organisations have lost sight of the true definition of a team. As defined by Professor Leigh Thompson of the Kellogg School of Management, “a team is a group of people who are interdependent with respect to […]

How Audi and others can avoid their Kodak moment

Posted by Cris Beswick
On 08/02/2023

In one of our recent articles, ‘Can Audi avoid its Kodak moment?’, we discussed the implications for Hildegard Wortmann’s view that there is only a 50% chance that Audi will still exist in 10 years. We proposed that her view as an Audi AG member of the board of management responsible for Sales & Marketing […]

HR, from corporate police to champions of LOVE

Posted by Cris Beswick
On 06/12/2022

For more than a decade now, the fundamental challenge around driving real growth and value from innovation is tied to many companies low focus on organisational design and culture. The design of an organisation and more importantly, how its people contribute, places HR at the centre of the challenge. Sometimes historically referred to as the […]

Can Audi avoid its Kodak moment?

Posted by Cris Beswick
On 01/12/2022

Recently Hildegard Wortmann, Audi AGs member of the board of management responsible for Sales & Marketing, said that there is only a 50% chance that Audi will still exist in 10 years. As alarming as this might sound, her perspective is probably rooted in acknowledging that the company cannot adapt quickly to changing customer preferences. […]

The HB seat at your innovation table

Posted by Cris Beswick
On 26/09/2022

Who sits at your innovation table? OK, I acknowledge that the answer may vary according to your business sector and size. Hopefully, at least some of the executive team are there, helping to set strategy and vision and sponsor innovation-led transformation. I’m sure you will have one or more innovation leaders or champions sitting in, […]

Managers drive innovation from the heart.

Posted by Cris Beswick
On 15/09/2022

This is a piece about and for managers. They could be line managers, middle managers, or team leaders; in a way, the title is immaterial. But in any organisation, these individuals sit at its heart, interpreting the vision, delivering the strategy, and ensuring that the engine runs smoothly, and the business stays on track. You […]

Five ways to drive innovation from the centre

Posted by Cris Beswick
On 27/07/2022

Innovation has the potential to thrive in every organisation, no matter how large or small. So why are 55% of businesses not seen as active in innovation? The answer may lie with your middle managers, says Cris Beswick, author and co-founder of OUTCOME. Here’s how you can create the right conditions to enable your people […]

If innovation was human…

Posted by Cris Beswick
On 11/01/2021

If innovation was human, how would it feel? Would it be frustrated and angry at seeing its potential wasted? Would it be full of hope and joy at the positive changes it could deliver to people’s lives and livelihoods? Or would it be like the rest of us; working through a mix of emotions as […]

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