What do you do if your team managers lack the qualities to drive innovation within their teams?

1 Assess Needs

To tackle the issue effectively, start by assessing the specific areas where your team managers are falling short. Do they lack the technical know-how, or is it a deficiency in soft skills like communication and leadership? Understanding their weaknesses allows you to tailor your approach. You might find that some managers need guidance on how to encourage creative thinking, while others may require more technical training to understand the innovation process. Remember, the goal is to identify gaps in their skill sets so you can help fill them.

2 Provide Training

Once you've identified the areas for improvement, the next step is to provide training and development opportunities. This could range from workshops on creative thinking to courses on the latest industry trends and technologies. Encourage your managers to attend conferences or webinars that can broaden their horizons. The key is to equip them with the tools and knowledge they need to foster an innovative mindset within their teams. Continuous learning is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge, so make sure that professional development is a priority.

4 Set Goals

Setting clear, achievable goals is essential for driving innovation. Work with your team managers to establish objectives that encourage creative problem-solving and new initiatives. These goals should be challenging yet attainable, with a focus on tangible outcomes that benefit the organization. By having specific innovation targets, managers have a clear direction and are more likely to take calculated risks that can lead to significant advancements.

5 Recognize Efforts

Recognizing and rewarding innovative efforts can go a long way in building an innovative culture. Celebrate successes, no matter how small, and make sure that your team managers are doing the same with their teams. Acknowledge the hard work and risk-taking involved in trying new things. This not only boosts morale but also encourages others to think outside the box. A reward system that aligns with your company's goals can incentivize managers and their teams to continually strive for innovation.

6 Adjust Leadership

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a manager may still struggle to drive innovation. In such cases, it might be necessary to consider adjusting the leadership structure. This could mean providing additional support, such as assigning a co-manager with complementary skills, or in some instances, making a change in management. It's important to ensure that the leaders of your teams are capable of guiding their members towards a future of continual innovation and growth.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?