Lean Quote: Innovation Distinguishes Between a Leader and a Follower

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.

"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." — Steve Jobs

Leaders are accountable to assemble teams and lead them to optimal performance outcomes.  An effective leader recognizes the importance of embracing differences in people and knows how to connect the dots amongst employees to get the best outcomes from the team. This is what cultivates a workplace environment of continuous improvements, innovation and initiative.   Leaders must foster a commitment from the team to embrace an innovation mindset for the success of the organization.

Innovation requires a certain type of person:  they are passionate explorers in pursuit of endless possibilities.   These explorers are courageous enough to take that leap of faith and follow it through all the way to the end.  Opening our minds to innovation is critical to creating a workplace environment that allows people to thrive. 

Innovation and workplace transformation represent two-sides of the same coin. Enable employees to adopt an "entrepreneurial mindset" to showcase their ideas  and ideals and they become the foundation for organizational growth and sustainability. Allowing them to propel innovation  and show initiative is the key  to successful workplace revival and an opportunity to re-energize individual and organic organizational growth.