How managers drive innovation by focusing on people
How managers can boost innovation by prioritising people over process. Hear real strategies from Jens Heitland to unlock team resilience.
How can managers create innovation by prioritising people over process
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What this episode covers
If your team struggles to produce consistent innovation, this episode offers practical insight from Jens Heitland, CEO of Succeed. Jens shares how innovation can emerge from ordinary teams by focusing on people and culture rather than just processes. Drawing on his experience rising through organisations like IKEA, he explains the importance of leadership development, onboarding, and creating a sustainable innovation culture. This episode is a useful listen for leaders wanting to shift their approach from initiative-driven efforts to embedding innovation into everyday work.
Who this is for: General managers and senior operators seeking practical ways to generate innovation within their existing teams and improve leadership effectiveness.
Key takeaways
- Building innovation starts with focusing on your people and creating a supportive organisational culture.
- Effective onboarding and dynamic leadership approaches are key to developing innovative teams.
- Sustainable innovation requires consistent effort rather than one-off initiatives to create lasting change.
- Stepping outside comfort zones encourages new ideas and drives personal and team growth.
- Leadership education can scale innovation by equipping managers with practical tools and fresh perspectives.
The real challenge for managers is building innovation and resilience in teams. This episode explores why focusing on people and culture, rather than just process, is the key to unlocking sustainable innovation. Discover how a people centric approach helps you overcome barriers and elevate your team's performance.
What you will learn
- Understand how managers can foster innovation by focusing on people first
- Discover practical leadership strategies for building resilient teams
- Learn how effective onboarding supports a culture of innovation
- Explore the difference between sustainable innovation and one off initiatives
This episode features Jens Heitland, CEO of Succeed, global innovation leader and expert in human centred leadership.
Episode highlights
- [1:45] How Jens' journey shaped his leadership approach
- [3:26] Lessons from climbing the ladder of success
- [7:29] The impact of stepping outside your comfort zone
- [12:03] Defining Human Innovation for managers
- [15:32] Sustainable innovation versus initiatives
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Get the Quick-Win PackQuestions managers ask about this episode
How can I encourage innovation in a team that seems ordinary?
Jens Heitland suggests focusing on your people and organisation culture, providing strong leadership and effective onboarding to build a foundation for innovation.
What is the difference between sustainable innovation and initiative-driven innovation?
Sustainable innovation involves ongoing effort and integration into daily work, while initiative-driven innovation relies on isolated projects that may not last.
How does leadership impact innovation in teams?
Dynamic leadership that supports learning, encourages stepping outside comfort zones, and invests in education helps teams develop innovative capabilities over time.
What practical steps can I take to start an innovation culture?
Begin by improving onboarding processes, promoting open communication, encouraging experimentation, and supporting continuous leadership education as outlined by Jens Heitland.