You're leading innovation in executive management. How can you make sure your team is on board?

1 Communicate clearly and frequently

One of the most important factors for successful innovation is clear and frequent communication. You need to communicate your vision, goals, and strategies for innovation to your team, and explain why they matter for the organization and the customers. You also need to communicate the expectations, roles, and responsibilities of each team member, and provide feedback and recognition along the way. Communication is not only about telling, but also about listening. You need to create opportunities for your team to share their ideas, opinions, and concerns, and to collaborate with each other and with other stakeholders.

2 Empower and support your team

Another key factor for successful innovation is empowerment and support. You need to empower your team to take ownership of their work, to experiment and learn from failures, and to make decisions and solve problems. You also need to support your team by providing them with the resources, tools, and training they need to innovate. You need to create a safe and supportive environment where your team can express their creativity, diversity, and curiosity. You need to encourage your team to challenge the status quo, to seek new opportunities, and to embrace change.

3 Align and integrate your team

A third factor for successful innovation is alignment and integration. You need to align your team with the organization's vision, mission, and values, and with the needs and expectations of the customers. You need to integrate your team with other teams and departments, and with external partners and networks. You need to create a sense of shared purpose, direction, and identity among your team members. You need to foster a culture of collaboration, trust, and respect across your team and beyond.

4 Measure and celebrate your team

A fourth factor for successful innovation is measurement and celebration. You need to measure your team's progress, performance, and impact on innovation, using both quantitative and qualitative indicators. You need to celebrate your team's achievements, milestones, and successes, as well as their efforts, learnings, and improvements. You need to reward your team for their innovation, not only for their results. You need to acknowledge your team's contributions, strengths, and potential, and help them grow and develop as innovators.

5 Inspire and challenge your team

A fifth factor for successful innovation is inspiration and challenge. You need to inspire your team with your passion, enthusiasm, and commitment for innovation. You need to challenge your team with your vision, goals, and strategies for innovation. You need to model the behaviors and attitudes you expect from your team, such as curiosity, creativity, risk-taking, learning, and collaboration. You need to motivate your team with your feedback, recognition, and rewards for innovation. You need to lead your team by example, by being an innovator yourself.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?