Leaders often appeal to lofty concepts to spur innovation among their team. They may talk about hope, optimism or trust as the driving force behind the need to innovate.
While referring to these ideals can motivate teams to think boldly, there's a risk as well: These appeals can fall flat, and even breed cynicism, if employees don't buy in.
The same risk applies to mission statements and core values. If they don't resonate with the workforce, it doesn't matter how admirable they sound.
"Lofty ideals have a place," said Jeff Wetzler, author of "Ask." "They can set the tone and give people energy and momentum. But they alone are not enough."
To link foundational principles with the hard work of innovating, harness the power of these concepts without going overboard. How do you convey the sweeping impact of innovation and what's at stake in an effective, motivating manner?
Model What Counts With Innovation
If you're going to cite concepts such as courage or integrity as keys to innovation, showcase what they mean and why they matter. Ensure that your team sees you as a credible leader who embodies these principles and traits.
"You can say it, but you also need to demonstrate it through your actions," said Wetzler, co-chief executive of Transcend, a New York-based education and innovation firm. If you tell people that optimism and innovation go hand-in-hand, for example, provide steady leadership amid adversity. And deliver an emphatic, "We'll get through this together" message.
Skip The Slogans
There's a difference between appealing to a big picture concept and reciting tired lines that ring hollow.
Some leaders try to spur innovation by repeatedly insisting, "We're a learning organization," Wetzler says. But employees may dismiss such comments as fluff.
If you want to stoke curiosity among your team, replace platitudes with concrete examples.
For instance, cite an innovative breakthrough that flowed from inquisitive workers who investigated a problem and searched for answers.
Connect The Dots With Innovation
Ideally, your organization has a list of core values that everyone understands and treats seriously. If you can link your big picture concept to one of those values, you're more apt to lead your team to innovate successfully.
"If you can find that North Star that ties to your company's core values, that's powerful," said Patrick Dennis, chief executive of Venafi, a cybersecurity firm in Salt Lake City.
He often references the importance of trust as a key to his company's innovation and success. That's because Venafi's customers "have to trust us to protect them," Dennis says, "so we build trust into our innovation road map."
Strive For Authenticity
Lofty concepts excite employees when the leader truly believes in those concepts. So speak from the heart when you talk about them.
"A good litmus test is you don't need someone to prepare (talking points) for you," Dennis said. "The concept has to ring true with you personally."
Better yet, open up about your life lessons about botched innovation. What did you learn from your failures?
"If you're going to inspire people to innovate, find the story that's most authentic to you and draw from your experience," he said.
Welcome Innovation Input
As the leader, you don't have to dictate which theme best encourages innovation. Instead, invite your team to chime in.
Employees might choose to treat innovation as a source of hope, pride or valor. If so, let them run with these ideals.
"Be willing to learn from the feedback you get," Wetzler said. As you listen to your team, look for ways to build on their input and positively influence your messaging.
