Unboxing Innovation: Leading with Influence and the Magic of Transformation

Imagine you're at a magic show, eagerly anticipating the next illusion. The magician steps onto the stage, a master of their craft, ready to captivate the audience with feats of wonder. As the show unfolds, you're not just witnessing tricks – you're experiencing moments of awe and inspiration. Sound fun?

In many ways, leading with influence and fostering a culture of innovation is akin to performing a magic trick. It requires skill, creativity, and the ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, innovation isn't just a buzzword – it's a necessity for survival and growth. As a project manager, your ability to foster a culture of innovation can be a magical game-changer for your team and organization. But how do you lead with influence and create an environment where innovation thrives? In this article, I want to explore some key strategies for cultivating innovation and driving positive change. Check out these seven strategies to implement when managing your projects to begin transforming your outcomes by increasing your influence and fostering innovation,

1. Lead by Example: As an Unboxed PM, you set the tone for your team. Demonstrate a willingness to embrace new ideas, take calculated risks, and challenge the status quo. By leading by example, you inspire your team members to think creatively and explore innovative solutions to complex problems.
2. Encourage Open Communication: Innovation thrives in an environment where ideas can flow freely. Encourage open communication and create opportunities for team members to share their thoughts, insights, and feedback. Foster a culture of psychological safety where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their role or position. You never know what you might unbox on your team.
3. Empower Your Team: Give your team the autonomy and resources they need to innovate. Empower them to take ownership of their work, experiment with new approaches, and learn from both successes and failures. Provide guidance and support, but avoid micromanaging or stifling creativity with unnecessary constraints.
4. Promote a Growth Mindset: Cultivate a culture of continuous learning and growth. Encourage your team members to adopt a growth mindset – a belief that their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Celebrate progress and encourage resilience in the face of setbacks, knowing that failure is often a stepping stone to success.
5. Embrace Experimentation: Innovation requires experimentation and risk-taking. Encourage your team to test new ideas, explore uncharted territory, and learn from their experiences. Create a safe space for experimentation where failure is seen as an opportunity for growth, not a reason for punishment.
6. Align Innovation with Organizational Goals: Ensure that innovation efforts are aligned with the broader goals and objectives of your organization. Identify areas where innovation can create the most value and prioritize initiatives that support strategic objectives. By aligning innovation with organizational goals, you ensure that your efforts have a meaningful impact on the bottom line.
7. Measure and Iterate: Continuously monitor and evaluate your innovation efforts to gauge their effectiveness. Collect feedback from stakeholders, track key performance indicators, and iterate on your approach based on lessons learned. Be flexible and adaptable, willing to pivot as needed to drive sustainable innovation over the long term.

What do you think? Leading with influence and cultivating a culture of innovation requires intentionality, commitment, and a willingness to embrace change. By following these strategies and fostering an environment where creativity and experimentation are encouraged, you can unleash the full potential of your team and drive positive transformation within your organization. Remember, innovation is not a destination – it's a journey of continuous improvement and discovery.

About The Author: Tareka Wheeler

Tareka Wheeler is a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with more than 20 years of project and program management experience in the public and private sectors. She is a wife, mom, Senior Project Management Executive, Career & Work-life Strategist, and Podcast Host of the DNA of a Professional Podcast.

She often lends her voice and expertise to various podcasts and conferences, and Tareka serves as a mentor for professionals seeking to advance in project management. Tareka is also an author, along with an incredible group of leaders in project management. Discover a treasure trove of wisdom and practical guidance in Executing Excellence: Actionable Insights from 10 Savvy Project Managers. This practical, thoughtful book brings together a diverse group of experienced project managers from various fields, including construction, consulting, software, and more.

As founder of the career development and consultancy, T. Wheeler Strategic Solutions, her team specializes in empowering professionals and organizations to accelerate their growth and strategically achieve their goals through project management, personal branding, and strategic planning.

Tareka is also the founder of The Unboxed PM, a movement and community designed to reshape the narrative for women in project leadership and empower them to boldly take up space, obliterate gender disparities in project leadership, and secure project leader and executive roles.

When she's not busy serving, leading, and strategizing, you'll find her at home with her husband, spending time with her three children, or hanging out with her family's two fur babies.