Innovation leadership style: Characteristics and practices

Innovation is essential for company survival and requires effective leaders who can reinforce its value in daily activities. Innovation leadership is a management technique that combines various leadership styles to increase creativity, competency, and collaboration in the workplace. Effective innovation leaders establish an innovation culture, foster engagement, knowledge, and skills of their teams, make smart decisions, and plan every step of the innovation process. Additionally, they provide resources for employees to bring their innovative ideas to life, incorporate feedback, and consider trends when formulating significant company strategies. To practice innovation leadership, business leaders should establish a psychological safety environment, reduce barriers to experimentation, create an effective communication system, foster diversity, and emphasize the value of teamwork. The article also includes a list of dos and don'ts for innovation leadership, such as developing a clear vision, establishing an innovation mindset, and providing employees with the right innovative tools.