"Success is not a straight line, it's much more of a dance and being open to possibilities." ~ Arianna Huffington
How many of us have participated in strategic planning presentations where the strategic plans are neatly positioned and presented with pristine perfection? Yet the reality is implementing these strategic plans is not a straight line to success. They are often messy and imperfect. This perspective is often overlooked, but vital for leaders navigating the unpredictability inherent in the innovation process. I recall presenting a strategic plan to a seasoned CEO who laughed at our strategic implementation timeline and dampened my optimism, by suggesting certain initiatives would take much longer than we anticipated. He told me; “Robert that will take seven years, not the two years you have in your plan…and here’s why.” He proceeded to explain in detail why the plan would take more time than expected. There would be setbacks because of the learning curve that would come with the new approach, new staff, and new skill sets that would be required to be successful. He was right. This experience highlighted that success doesn't follow a straight line; it's an intricate dance filled with unexpected twists and turns.
No matter how neatly plans are presented, the path to success resembles a non-linear graph with unexpected detours, setbacks, and leaps forward. Each of these occurrences is a lesson in disguise, provided we're willing as leaders to step into discomfort and acknowledge the messiness that comes with innovation. In the face of inspired excitement, performance pressures, and pending deadlines, remember that success isn't about perfection, it is about about purpose and progress.
Considering the relationship between innovation and non-linear leadership, here are three key insights that I believe are worth sharing:
Success is Iterative: There's no such thing as overnight success. It's a step-by-step journey that unfolds over time, often requiring us to take a step back before we can move forward. Every challenge presents opportunities for us to learn lessons that can bring us closer to our desired goal. While innovation is instrumental to achieving success, it's often a winding road filled with surprises and invaluable lessons. As leaders, we must inspire our teams to embrace this non-linear path, recognizing every twist and turn as an opportunity for growth and learning.
Embrace the Peaks and Valleys: The journey to success is filled with moments of progress and setbacks, twists and turns, and ups and downs. Becoming comfortable with discomfort is crucial in navigating the highs and lows of innovation. Accept that peaks and valleys are a natural part of the innovation process.
Persistence is Key: Persistence is a crucial trait for innovators particularly in the face of criticism, setbacks, and unpopularity is vital for leaders seeking innovative solutions. The ability to persist is like a lifeline that offers us just enough breath to keep believing and continuing to the next step of the process.
Remember, the dance of innovation may not be a straight line, but each step is a move toward progress. Let's embrace the journey, with all its unexpected turns and lessons along the way.
Reflective Questions:
Can you recall a project where your team's path to success was non-linear? How did you handle setbacks?
How can your team better prepare for the non-linear nature of innovation?
Interactive Exercises:
Failure Analysis: Identify a project that didn't go as planned. Analyze the non-linear path it took and determine how setbacks could be turned into learning opportunities.
Non-Linear Pathway Planning: Consider an upcoming project. Instead of mapping out a linear path to completion, anticipate potential challenges and strategize ways to overcome them.
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