Describe innovation and why it is important to organizational leadership.
1.3 Discussion. Innovation (Scharmer’s Theory U)
Getting Started
What sets innovators apart from their peers? How do they think differently about the world? In this week’s discussion, we are going to dive into innovative thinking and behaviors. Great innovators observe the world and are curious about what they see. They ask questions that cause them to rethink their world. In the short four-minute video (new tab) , The Four Behaviors of Innovative Leaders, Hal Gregersen discusses how innovative leaders come up with new ideas.
While some people associate innovation with personality type, others see innovation behaviors as a process. First introduced by Otto Scharmer, Theory U is a process of innovation stages that focus on the perspective of the whole system rather than the smaller parts. The first two steps (e.g., “going down the U”) involve gathering information in a non-judgmental way through listening and openness. At the bottom of the U is a step to identify blind spots. As a person moves to the last two steps (i.e., “going back up the U”), they begin to develop new solutions and move toward action.
*Illustration by WikiMedia user Kellykaneshiro; used by permission ( CC by 3.0 (new tab) ).
Scharmer’s Theroy U Video
Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:
· Describe innovation and why it is important to organizational leadership.
· Identify ways a leader might foster innovative behaviors and organizational change.
Background Information
To prepare for this discussion, access the tabs below for reading and video resources.
ReadingTedTalkScharmer’s Theory U Barriers to Innovation
Chapter 14 in your Middlebrooks et al. (2020) text, titled “Creating a culture of innovation” (pp. 349–374).
Articles:
Breaking Down Barriers to Innovation (new tab)
How Do You Teach Innovation? (new tab)
Stop Blaming, Start Innovating (new tab)
Instructions
1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.
2. Review the information in the Getting Started and Background Information sections.
3. In your initial discussion post (250-300 words), based upon your reading and review, answer the following questions:
a. According to Scharmer’s Theory U, what are the five stages of innovation?
b. What is the “presencing” stage and why is it important?
c. Why should leaders care about organizational innovation?
d. What will happen if companies do not foster innovation and creativity?
e. How might a leader foster innovation and change within their organization?
f. How can leaders promote innovation among their followers?
g. What barriers to innovation must leaders overcome?
h. Think of an innovative organization. What do they do differently to set themselves apart from their competition? Using innovation as a lens, how might you apply what you have learned this week to that organization.
