Innovation Coaching 200: Mastering Innovation

Embracing Failure and Navigating Complexity

"Innovation Coaching 200: Mastering Innovation" takes a deep dive into the complex world of innovation in professional settings. This course focuses on the catalysts and inhibitors of innovation, examining the tools, environments, and strategies that can foster or hinder innovative thinking and execution.

Beginning with exploring confidence, persuasion, and conflict as innovation tools, students will learn how these essential skills can influence and inspire change. Aspects like self-esteem, feedback mechanisms, and conflict management will be analyzed for their impact on innovative processes.

The course will then shift focus to the structure of innovation-facilitating workplaces. Here, students will learn the characteristics of these environments and how they empower employees to lead the charge in continuous innovation. The course will cover topics like embracing failure, persistence, eliminating silos, customer-centric thinking, and fostering a supportive innovation community. Further, students will gain knowledge about innovation labs, including practical steps to build one.

Conversely, the course will also address the many challenges and barriers to innovation within an organization. Students will explore the characteristics of innovation-inhibiting workplaces and the implications of leadership decisions on innovative capabilities. Topics like workplace power dynamics, toxic cultures, bullying, and management revenge are examined for their inhibitory impact. The course also deals with chronic stress and work-life balance, with a special case study focusing on the banking sector.

Finally, the course will dissect 'Innovation Theater' and 'Fake' Innovation. Students will understand the structural and managerial factors that can lead to superficial displays of innovation without substantial change or progress. Real-world examples will be utilized to provide context and depth to these discussions.

Throughout the course, the aim is to equip students with a holistic understanding of the workplace dynamics that contribute to or inhibit innovation. With a mix of theoretical and practical examples, students will be well-equipped to foster an environment conducive to innovative thinking and problem-solving in their professional contexts. This course is ideal for aspiring leaders, managers, and professionals interested in driving innovation within their organization.