Harley F Davidson
MBA-FP6006 - Leading Innovation in the Global Organization
August 30, 2014
Jane Gibson
Leading in Innovation
There are two key components that make up some of the most successful organizations of our time. These factors are the key to driving organizations forward and pushing the boundaries of conventional thinking. There are several leadership models that support innovation, two key models are Transformational Leadership and Situational Leadership. These two leadership models drive and support innovation through encouragement and development of employees and other individual contributors, while providing an open ground for new thoughts and ideas. Leadership models are just models, nothing more than words on a page without leaders who are dedicated to transforming the words into actions. In order for me to become a better innovator I need to both understand the leadership models that support organizational innovation, the skills needed to discover innovative approaches, and deliver upon those discoveries, and finally where my own strengths and weaknesses are.
Leadership Models That Support Innovation
There are many different leadership styles that have been developed over the years, but not all of them can be looked to in support of innovation. It is how leadership skills are used that take a struggling team or organization and elevate them to the next level of success. Transformational and situational leadership models are two models that when used appropriately, can not only support innovative thinking, but drive an organization forward.
Transformational Leadership Transformational leadership is a form of leadership that is based on encouragement and motivation. When this model is employed, organizational members become highly engaged, motivated, enthusiastic and committed to pursuing creative ideas (Blanken, 2013). This model was used by the founders of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, which
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