An all-star team is making headway with a new initiative that could alter the future of the organization. Spirits are optimistic and the team is successfully maneuvering through new, yet very promising, territory. Then, the results begin taking longer than anticipated to prove, and after too much time spent outside of their comfort zones, the team of high-achieving employees can’t seem to execute within the uncertain environment.
If Your Innovation Effort Isn’t Working, Look at Who’s on the Team
Here are the skills you really need.
November 09, 2018
Summary.
At the heart of many organizations is a deeper problem that blocks transformation: product/function organizational structure.This structure works in well-understood environments, but transformative projects require the organization to build a transformative team for success. Transformation-capable teams are comprised of individuals who are not only high performers, but who hold a unique balance of skills and neuropsychological aptitudes that allow them to sustain focus, agility, and optimism as they execute within uncertainty for prolonged periods of time. There are three unique characteristics that will play critical roles as a team takes on a breakthrough initiative: negative capability, being a chaos pilot, and divergent thinking.
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Innovation and Creativity Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Innovation and Creativity. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Unlock your team's curiosity and willingness to take smart risks.
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New!
HBR Learning
Innovation and Creativity Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Innovation and Creativity. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Unlock your team's curiosity and willingness to take smart risks.