The 3 Movements of Profound Innovation

Rarely does profound innovation in business naturally occur; you have to work at it to find the nuggets of gold; to reveal breakthrough thinking and innovations. The key to systematizing breakthrough thinking, profound innovation is found by performing three (3) key movements.

Movement 1 - Establish Shared Understanding

So, what does this mean? In most companies, incoherence exists amongst leadership and staff of what are the true issues and/or problems that plague or undermine the company. The reason for this is largely due to functional fragmentation, but more specifically due to ALL staff possessing a fragmented view or perspective of the business.

Therefore, the first step or movement towards breakthrough thinking and innovation is to bring the 'parts' of people's minds together to form a coherent whole. When we do this, and assuming that all diverse voices are present and heard, we are able to create a 'shared understanding' of what the current day issues and opportunities are. The operative word is 'shared'.

Movement 2 - Establish Shared Intentions

Once we establish shared meaning amongst our leadership and staff, the next step or movement towards breakthrough thinking and innovation is to establish or create a shared intention of ALL involved. So, what does this mean? To create a shared intention simply means that people are now all rowing in the same direction. With the pre-condition of people collectively understanding what the issues and /or opportunities are, it becomes far easier for people to collectively ideate on what to do to solve the problems and/or exploit the opportunities.

Movement 3 - Establish Aligned Action

With this final movement, establish aligned action, we execute against our desired intentions. We now do what we said we would do. Please know that aligned action is only possible by first establishing shared intentions and shared understanding.

If incoherence exists with what the current-day problems are and how best to solve them, you will not ignite the creative juices necessary to bring forth breakthrough thinking and profound innovations. Similarly, if incoherence exists between what the real opportunities are and how best to exploit them, it leads to opportunity lost.

Whether trying to solve today's complex problems OR exploiting a market- changing opportunity both actions demand deeper listening and more open communications than has been the norm. If you seek breakthrough thinking if you desire profound innovations simply practice the three movements above. The process is surprisingly effective and reliable.

Related Reading

• Cultural Transformation: 4 Levers for an Industry of One

• Dialogue: The Key to Innovation & Cultural Transformation

• The Keys to Innovation: Dialogue & Diversity

Facing a complex change challenge in your organization? Book an OD consultation with Henosis Partners.