The strategist and the innovation leaders must not fight the people driving the current performance engine; instead they must forge a partnership with their polar opposite. Respect means understanding and appreciating the endeavors of “good people doing good work”. It’s called honor. Some would say they want to “embed innovation into the very fabric of their company”. However the necessary activities of the builders of future engines are of a counterintuitive nature; the ingenious mindset walks and talks differently than the everyday workers who are diligently putting their heart and soul into the welfare of the current performance engine. Happy coexistence is the goal, not conformity, not uniformity.
The key point to understand is that when it comes to innovation, it is more about the strategist than the strategy. Strategy fails, generally, in its execution. Contrary and hidden agendas top the main reasons strategy is not put into action. When there is organizational-wide alignment growth is inevitable. However, where consensus is lacking and conflicting beliefs prevail, strategy is almost useless. People will continue to work at cross purposes draining energy from the company’s vitality and purpose.
The strategist leads the dream. The strategist is the peacemaker and the balancer. The strategist is the evangelist. The strategist is the one who builds hope and offers a brighter future. The strategist is the one who builds harmony and embeds respect. The strategist is the one who gives a sense of identity and purpose. The strategist is the one who makes the dream come alive for everyone.
a few good things to think about