We believe that Leadership is not just for those with formal titles or designated positions of authority.
It is a mindset, a choice, and a courageous act of stepping forward to make a difference. Regardless of your role, having the courage to lead is a transformative force that holds potential to ignite innovation, foster psychological safety, and unlock new possibilities for yourself, your team, and your organization.
It’s becoming even more important today that organizations have individuals who are willing to take initiative, show resilience, and embrace challenges head-on. Leadership is not about a job title, it is about inspiring others and driving positive change.
So what does it take to have the courage to lead? It begins by stepping outside your comfort zone! Embrace discomfort, take calculated risks, demonstrate a willingness to try, experiment, and learn, even when there may not be a 100% guarantee of success. It’s not always easy, but only when we push beyond familiar boundaries, can we explore uncharted territories and create new pathways.
An important aspect of demonstrating leadership despite your formal job title is embracing vulnerability. Leadership requires authenticity and the willingness to be open and genuine with others. By sharing your experiences, perspectives, and even your failures, you create an environment where others feel safe to do the same. Through modeling the way and demonstrating your vulnerability, you are giving permission for others to step forward and embrace their vulnerability. Over time, vulnerability helps to foster trust, deepen connections, and pave the way for collaborative efforts and growth.
It’s also important to take ownership and accountability. Leadership is not hiding from responsibility but rather embracing it. Leaders understand that their actions and decisions have an impact on others and the organization as a whole. By taking ownership of their roles, they inspire others to do the same, creating a culture of accountability and shared success.
Leadership also requires having a clear vision and the ability to communicate that vision. It is about inspiring others with your passion, purpose, and aligning people around a shared goal. When individuals step forward with the courage to lead, teams can move forward to achieve outcomes together.
At the same time, it is important to highlight that this all cannot be done without what we believe to be the root of it all, empathy. More than anything, it is about taking steps to understand the needs, concerns, and aspirations of others. Through active and deep listening, we are able to gain valuable insights, build trust, and create an inclusive environment where all voices can be heard and valued.
When individuals within an organization have the courage to step forward and lead, a culture of innovation begins to emerge that challenges the status quo, encourages creativity, and inspires others to think outside the box.
Always remember that leadership is a choice that is not restricted to only those with specific job titles. Everyone can exercise leadership within their spheres of influence. We believe in the choice of stepping forward to lead, whether you are a brand new employee or seasoned executive. Our programs and workshops are designed to empower individuals at all levels of your organization to step forward, embrace their leadership potential, and make a positive and lasting impact.
Ready to embrace the courage to lead? Contact us today!
Let’s design your pathway to possibility!
In the 21st century workplace, with never-ending change and increasing reliance on virtual tools, a simple practice with potential to cultivate and sustain human connection is gratitude.
We often underestimate the power of appreciation and the positive impact it can have on those around us. So, let's take a moment to explore the significance of gratitude at work and how it can create a thriving and human-centered workplace.
Gratitude is more than just a simple "thank you." It goes beyond acknowledging completed tasks or achievements. It's about recognizing the unique strengths, talents, and contributions that each individual brings to the table. Showing gratitude to our colleagues and employees lets them know that they are valued not only for what they do but also for who they are.
The act of expressing gratitude creates a ripple effect of positivity. When we take the time to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of our colleagues, it fosters a sense of belonging and connection. It nurtures a "we-ness" culture, where everyone feels heard, seen, and encouraged to share their ideas and perspectives.
Asking questions is a powerful way to demonstrate appreciation and encourage creativity. By seeking input from others, we create spaces where all voices matter and contribute to a larger common goal. This inclusive approach empowers individuals, leading to a culture of collaboration and innovation.
With the shift to virtual workplaces over the past few years, creating and sustaining opportunities for human connections is more important than ever. Gratitude shifts our focus from individual achievements to collective success. It creates an environment where people genuinely care for one another, foster trust, and collaborate with a shared sense of purpose.
The impact of gratitude reaches far and influences the overall workplace culture, shaping internal communications, recognition programs, and management practices. When gratitude becomes part of culture, employees feel motivated, engaged, and invested in the success of the company.
So, how can we foster gratitude in the workplace?
1) Practice mindful appreciation: Take a moment each day to reflect on the efforts of your colleagues. Let them know that their contributions are valued.
2) Create a culture of recognition: Establish formal and informal recognition programs that celebrate achievements and demonstrate appreciation.
3) Encourage open communication: Create a safe space where employees can share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns. Be receptive to feedback and show gratitude for their openness.
4) Lead by example: Demonstrate gratitude in your interactions with others. Set the tone for a culture of appreciation and empathy.
5) Celebrate small victories: Recognize and celebrate even the smallest achievements, as they contribute to the overall success of the organization.
By practicing gratitude at work, we create an environment of connection and innovation. Each individual becomes part of the collective journey, contributing their unique skills and perspectives. Together, we can accomplish far more than we ever could alone.
We understand the transformative power of gratitude in the workplace, and offer tailored workshops and programs that cultivate a culture of appreciation, empathy, and collaboration.
Are you ready to embrace the power of gratitude in your workplace? Contact us today!
Let’s design your pathway to possibility!
We often underestimate the power of appreciation and the positive impact it can have on those around us. So, let's take a moment to explore the significance of gratitude at work and how it can create a thriving and human-centered workplace.
Gratitude is more than just a simple "thank you." It goes beyond acknowledging completed tasks or achievements. It's about recognizing the unique strengths, talents, and contributions that each individual brings to the table. Showing gratitude to our colleagues and employees lets them know that they are valued not only for what they do but also for who they are.
The act of expressing gratitude creates a ripple effect of positivity. When we take the time to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of our colleagues, it fosters a sense of belonging and connection. It nurtures a "we-ness" culture, where everyone feels heard, seen, and encouraged to share their ideas and perspectives.
Asking questions is a powerful way to demonstrate appreciation and encourage creativity. By seeking input from others, we create spaces where all voices matter and contribute to a larger common goal. This inclusive approach empowers individuals, leading to a culture of collaboration and innovation.
With the shift to virtual workplaces over the past few years, creating and sustaining opportunities for human connections is more important than ever. Gratitude shifts our focus from individual achievements to collective success. It creates an environment where people genuinely care for one another, foster trust, and collaborate with a shared sense of purpose.
The impact of gratitude reaches far and influences the overall workplace culture, shaping internal communications, recognition programs, and management practices. When gratitude becomes part of culture, employees feel motivated, engaged, and invested in the success of the company.
So, how can we foster gratitude in the workplace?
1) Practice mindful appreciation: Take a moment each day to reflect on the efforts of your colleagues. Let them know that their contributions are valued.
2) Create a culture of recognition: Establish formal and informal recognition programs that celebrate achievements and demonstrate appreciation.
3) Encourage open communication: Create a safe space where employees can share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns. Be receptive to feedback and show gratitude for their openness.
4) Lead by example: Demonstrate gratitude in your interactions with others. Set the tone for a culture of appreciation and empathy.
5) Celebrate small victories: Recognize and celebrate even the smallest achievements, as they contribute to the overall success of the organization.
By practicing gratitude at work, we create an environment of connection and innovation. Each individual becomes part of the collective journey, contributing their unique skills and perspectives. Together, we can accomplish far more than we ever could alone.
We understand the transformative power of gratitude in the workplace, and offer tailored workshops and programs that cultivate a culture of appreciation, empathy, and collaboration.
Are you ready to embrace the power of gratitude in your workplace? Contact us today!
Let’s design your pathway to possibility!
Innovation is essential for any organization to thrive. It's about constantly challenging the status quo, finding new ways of doing things, and driving meaningful change. We need creativity to generate ideas for new possibilities.
Innovation allows companies to adapt to ever- changing customer needs, seize emerging trends, and differentiate themselves from the competition. But how can we make sure our teams are able to unlock their creativity and exercise their leadership for innovative change and meaningful results?
We believe creativity and innovation begin to emerge when members of an organization are invited to share their creative abilities and are encouraged to take risks, collaborate, and experiment. And this begins with igniting the creative confidence within each of us!
The concept of Creative Confidence encourages individuals to trust their instincts, unleash their imaginations, and bring their boldest ideas to the table. This concept has been coined by IDEO founder and Stanford d.school creator David Kelley and his brother Tom Kelley (Kelley & Kelley, 2014). Creative Confidence is a Design Thinking mindset (IDEO, 2023) and is the idea that creativity lies within each of us, not limited to a select few “creative types”. When individuals believe in their own creative potential, they are more willing to challenge conventional thinking, take risks, and imagine new possibilities. And as we do, we begin to model the way for others, and invite others to express their creative ideas. This ripple effect begins to put the wheels in motion for a culture of creativity and innovation to emerge and take hold within an organization.
Some key benefits of embracing Creative Confidence are:
Ideas: Through embracing the idea of creative confidence, organizations open the door for fresh ideas. When employees feel empowered to think creatively, they can generate ideas to address pain points or introduce something brand new.
Collaboration: When team members are confident in their creative abilities, they are more open to sharing their perspectives, listening to others, and coming together with others to collaboratively grow new ideas. This collaborative environment sparks synergies, allows for knowledge sharing, and amplifies collective impact.
Experimentation: Creative Confidence enables experimentation and the idea of learning from careful trial and error. In a workplace that encourages taking calculated risks, employees feel safe to try new approaches, test ideas, and learn from challenges and setbacks.
Creative confidence is a powerful mindset that we believe is a key aspect of exercising leadership for innovative change, and a critical foundation through which organizations can begin to develop a culture of innovation.
Contact us to explore our range of services tailored to drive innovation and creativity within your organization. Our fully customized workshops and programs are available for you and your team to help unlock your creative potential, and ignite your leadership for innovation.
Ready to fuel your organization's success through creative confidence and innovation? Contact us today!
Let’s design your pathway to possibility!
IDEO (2023, July 6). "Mindsets". Design Kit. https://www.designkit.org/mindsets.html
Kelley, T., & Kelley, D. (2014). Creative Confidence: Unleashing the creative potential within us all . London: William Collins
We know you’ve heard the term empathy.
Empathy is more than just a buzzword. It is a fundamental mindset that holds potential to drive effective collaboration, foster innovation, and build authentic communities at work. As part of our creativity, design and innovation mindset series, this post explores the concept of empathy and how it can cultivate a sense of belonging, connection, and shared purpose within organizations.
Empathy is the art of understanding and experiencing the world through the eyes of others. In the workplace, it means taking steps to try to put ourselves in our colleagues' shoes, and try to understand their perspectives. Empathy allows us to build connections and valuable relationships with our colleagues as we listen to, and learn from, their stories of lived experience.
In design thinking, empathy lies at the heart of the process. As we work to create innovative solutions, taking steps to empathize with those that will be using the new solution, allows us to better understand their needs, wants, and priorities. Empathy guides us to dig deeper to try as best as we can to understand a problem from their perspective. By doing so, we can design products, services, and processes that will be well received and impactful.
In the workplace, when individuals feel understood and supported, they are more willing to collaborate, contribute their ideas, and become engaged in the innovation process. Empathy nurtures a culture of "we-ness," where each person is a key part of the collective journey. Empathy drives open communication through active listening, understanding and holding the space for conversation.
When we foster a culture of empathy, and design through empathy, we create a deeper connection with our customers and stakeholders. Empathy becomes a driving force for creating products and services that not only resonate with, but meet the true needs of, our audience.
Here are a few tips and tools for embracing empathy at work:
Active listening: Give your full attention to others during conversations, ask questions for deeper understanding.
Seek diverse perspectives: Encourage diversity and inclusion in your teams, valuing different viewpoints and experiences.
Empathy mapping: An empathy map is a great way to consider the thoughts, feelings, actions and words of others (we can help you with this!)
Space for support and understanding: Show compassion and create opportunity for your team and colleagues to share ideas, challenges and help one another.
Embrace feedback and feedforward: Welcome feedback from your colleagues and offer feedback in a constructive way to drive change.
As a key creativity, design and innovation mindset, empathy is important in creating authentic workplace communities. Our workshops and programs are tailored to foster a culture of empathy, collaboration, and shared purpose. The design thinking mindsets are built into our work and we’re here to help translate them into yours!
Ready to embrace empathy and transform your workplace? Contact us today!
Let’s design your pathway to possibility!
