It is likely that one or more of the products you currently use was brought about as a result of innovation. But have you ever considered how that innovation came about, who led the effort, and how they did so? Perhaps you have even been part of a team that did something unique and innovative, or you had a leader that encouraged others to bring forward fresh ideas and welcomed input or suggestions for how to change things within your organization. When you think of innovative leadership, what comes to mind? Do you picture yourself as an innovative leader? If you were to grow as an innovative leader, consider what opportunities that might create for your organization, your career, and your personal and professional development.

In this Discussion, you will examine what it means to be an innovative leader, including an example of an innovative leader and what principles you could apply to become a more innovative leader.

BY DAY 3

Post a synthesis of innovative leadership traits that you could incorporate into your own leadership. Specifically:

• Provide at least one example of an innovative leader and explain what traits make (or made) that leader innovative.
• Explain what about that individual’s leadership inspires you to take a more innovative approach to your own leadership. 

Refer to the Week 5 Discussion Rubric for specific grading elements and criteria. Your Instructor will use this grading rubric to assess your work.

Read some of your colleagues’ postings.

To prepare for this Discussion:

• Consider your takeaways from this week’s Learning Resources and in what ways they influenced your thinking about innovation and leadership. Also think about how you might apply insights gained from the Resources to your own leadership skills development.
• Identify an example of an innovative leader with whom you are familiar.
  • Note: If you describe someone you know personally, do not reveal his or her identity or the identity of any organizations. Use fictitious names if needed. However, this does not apply if you are using a well-known individual with whom you have no personal connection.