Inspire Innovative Thinking in Your Company — It Starts With You

“Innovation is asking, ‘What’s the best way to do this?’—knowing we’ll never find the best way, but in asking, we’ll always find a better one.” — Michael Gerber

Every leader says they want their people to be more innovative.

But here’s the truth: innovation doesn’t start with them.
It starts with you.

If you want your team to question, challenge, and experiment, you must model that behavior first.
Because innovation isn’t a department — it’s a discipline.

Innovation Is Not a Buzzword — It’s a Leadership Habit

When we think of innovation, we picture tech giants like Apple, Amazon, or Google — companies with billion-dollar R&D budgets and futuristic products.

But innovation isn’t about technology. It’s about doing something different that makes an impact.

A 2021 survey of over 1,200 senior leaders ranked innovation as the number one cultural priority for the next decade — ahead of shareholder value.

So, if innovation matters that much, why do so few businesses achieve it?
Because most leaders try to force it — instead of fostering it.

Start With Frustration — It’s the Seed of Innovation

Frustration is innovation in disguise.

Whenever you or your team say, “Why do we do it that way?”, that’s the moment innovation begins.

Ask the questions that challenge assumptions:

• Why do we do it like this?
• What if we stopped doing this entirely?
• How could we do this faster, easier, or better?

Innovation doesn’t require the perfect answer.
It requires the courage to ask the right questions.

4 Steps to Inspire Innovative Thinking

Innovation thrives when leaders create the right environment — one that encourages curiosity, collaboration, and ownership.

Here’s how to build it.

1. Identify the Frustration

Start where the pain is.
Is it low conversion rates, poor cash flow, or a lack of the right talent?
Name the frustration clearly — it becomes your innovation opportunity.

2. Gain Commitment

You don’t need everyone onboard immediately — just a few early champions.
Find one or two people who share your frustration and your willingness to fix it.
Innovation grows faster when people feel they’re part of a shared mission, not a management directive.

3. Agree on the Outcome

Clarity drives passion.
Define what success looks and feels like — a measurable, tangible outcome that energizes your team.
When people can see progress, they find the motivation to keep going.

Create passion through collaboration, shared goals, and genuine recognition.

4. Celebrate the Win

Innovation takes energy — so celebrate progress, not just perfection.

Host a small “rollout party” when you launch the new system or improvement.
Share stories. Recognize effort.
Celebration reinforces the behavior you want more of — curiosity, creativity, and ownership.

The Leadership Lesson

You can’t demand innovation from your team if you’re not living it yourself.

It’s not about having all the answers — it’s about asking better questions, modeling curiosity, and creating the conditions for people to thrive.

When leaders embrace innovation as a habit, teams follow.
And that’s how cultures of continuous improvement are born.

Want help embedding innovation habits in your leadership team?

Contact me at tedb@strategyandexecution.com.au to schedule a free 30-minute discovery meeting.

TED BONEL, SCALING UP PRACTITIONER – STRATEGY & EXECUTION BUSINESS ADVISORS

Are you looking to scale your business and execute strategy with clarity and impact? I help CEOs and founders turn big ideas into real-world results, guiding small to mid-market companies through tailored strategic insights that drive growth.

My expertise lies in simplifying complexity – bridging high-level strategic frameworks with the practical realities of running a business. Unlike many consultants who focus solely on theory or execution, I specialise in both—translating strategy into actionable, transformative steps that deliver lasting results.

Want help embedding innovation habits in your leadership team?

Contact me at tedb@strategyandexecution.com.au to schedule a free 30-minute discovery meeting.

ABOUT STRATEGY & EXECUTION

For over 20 years, Strategy & Execution has supported leaders and organisations in developing and executing winning strategies. We provide expert facilitation, executive education, and hands-on consulting to help businesses refine their strategic direction and implement it effectively.

Using proven methodologies like Scaling Up, E-Myth Mastery, Outthinker, and more, we challenge conventional thinking and equip organisations with the tools to accelerate growth. Our approach is dynamic—combining deep business experience with practical execution. We don’t just advise; we roll up our sleeves and work alongside you to make strategy happen.

If you’re preparing for a strategy development or execution challenge and are committed to creating real value, we’d love to hear from you. Learn more about our work or upcoming workshops