Transformation from Within: Developing Innovation Champions in Your Organization
Every successful corporate transformation scales/begins [check] with champions—individuals who lead by example and inspire others. Without champions, no innovation department can make the change inside the thinking of all the employees. Developing innovation champions involves identifying those who are naturally curious and motivated to challenge the status quo. How to engage them, turn employees in your innovation brand ambassadors?
From the countless amount of corporate champions, there are several character traits they share. Let’s make a list, shall we?
- Often early adopters of new ideas
- Willing to take risks to drive change.
- Typically, a little fed up with the existing way of working
- Need to be assisted and nurtured to get this movement going
Once identified, invest in their growth by providing training, mentorship, and a platform to experiment and share their ideas. Training could include workshops on:
- creative thinking
- agile methodologies
- communication skills
- hosting events
Champions should be given the tools to foster collaboration and build networks across the organization. This could involve creating cross-functional teams, organizing innovation sprints, or setting up internal communities of practice. Providing champions with the autonomy to lead initiatives helps build their confidence and demonstrates the organization’s commitment to transformation. Encouraging these leaders to share success stories can create a ripple effect, empowering more employees to join in on the transformation journey. Success stories highlight the tangible benefits of change and inspire others to get involved, creating a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
When champions are visible and supported, they become catalysts for lasting cultural change. They help shift mindsets by demonstrating what is possible and encouraging others to think differently. Recognize and reward the efforts of innovation champions to keep them motivated and to signal the importance of their role to the rest of the organization.
By empowering champions, you create a network of change agents who can drive transformation from within, making it more sustainable and impactful in the long term.