Championing
Champions are one type of Innovation Advocate
Champions are the innovation advocates who take responsibility for execution. Other innovation advocates within the organization may strongly believe that innovation is critical and may be supportive from above or below the champion but the champion is the individual who leads the charge.
Championing can be risky business
Taking a very strong stand, can put one in opposition to others who are protecting their turf and the status quo. One has to work a lot harder to champion something than to follow the flow. This is one difference between a leader and a manager. It is harder but also more rewarding so it is easier to put in the effort. SVII presents strategies to help to mitigate these circumstances.
Nothing new happens without someone who will champion the future
- Visionary
- Passionate & Committed
- Entrepreneurial
- Focus on "Greater Good" not Self Interest
- Willing to Take Risks
- Build Teams and Share the Credit
- Act on Strong Belief Systems before they have "evidence"
- Strong Values build Trust and Commitment
- Embrace Change for Future Gain
"Everyone who has ever taken a shower has had an idea. It's the person who gets out of the shower, dries off, and does something about it that makes a difference."
-- Nolan Bushnell