How heart-based skills are overlooked in innovation (and why you should care)
In my career (so far) I have worked on numerous business development projects, long term innovation strategies, some startups, a few incubators and lots of speeches to inspire change. The one thing that stands out: change is about winning over hearts.
A typical innovator (and I have met hundreds) is frustrated (management does not really commit, progress is too slow, oh those internal politics, etc.), passionate and a bit stressed out. Because it is not easy to always be the one standing in front of the troops getting them to move.
What is often forgotten in innovation projects: focusing on the actual humans. We design systems (design thinking), processes (stage gates, milestones, etc.) and maybe take a course in leadership skills. I took a look at some of the business schools and these leadership skills include setting up the right team, managing creative people and inspiring others into action.
Summing it up: we now have innovation leaders who know their strategies, are able to design processes and hire a team. But can they lead when it matters? Especially when they are frustrated, passionate and a bit stressed out?
Stressed people make bad decisions
Max Strom shared on Tedx his personal experiences when working with corporate leaders. Stress levels are high. Taking into account that stress, burn-outs and depression figures are at an all time high, this cannot come as a surprise.
Now imagine the innovation process. The stakes are high (which produces cortisol and other stress-inducing hormones in your body) and the company needs to figure out how to survive the next decade.
Who would you rather have? A stressed-out innovator talking to a stressed-out executive? OR Someone who is able to stay focused, clear-headed and make the best decision possible?
And of course I am exaggerating (not as much as you think though).
You might think, stress is normal Floor. Everybody is under pressure. You cannot avoid that.
I say: "you are right, but managing stress, keeping focus and finding the optimal performance level can be trained. Why not learn this essential skill?"
The answer is in our body
The answer involves the heart. This might come as a surprise for you, but the heart is seen as our second brain. Here are some facts.
Our heart has a network of more than 40.000 neurons directly linked to our brain. It can even operate on its own.
Our heart rhythm is directly linked to your emotions. When you are stressed, your heart will be erratic. When you are in a positive mood, your heart rate will be stable.
Your heart has an electromagnetic field that is very strong. How that matters? The intention you set can be felt by others. Really. It is science.
Learning to work with your heart, makes you more mindful of your emotions which means you are more in control. (The thing is that emotions often trigger automatic behavior which means your instinct will take over. This is definitely NOT a good thing.) It can also influence the outcome of a meeting.
In his book Dr. Otto Scharmer describes the benefits of an 'open heart'. This is defined as the ability to look at a situation from the other person's perspective. It makes you more empathic.
Let's repeat the question I asked before.
Who would you rather have make a high stake decision? A stressed-out innovator talking to a stressed-out executive? OR someone who is heart-centered?
Let's focus more on heart-centered skills
There is more to be said here, but I do not want to bury you in information.
My point: it is time that we learn innovators how to work with their hearts. It will lead to better results and happier humans. And isn't that what most companies are aiming for?
p.s. leave any questions you might have on the topic in the comments!
Floor Dehing-Schmeitz is a conscious leadership and optimal performance trainer and owner of Playbook. She helps changemakers, the ones who dare to dream big to excel. By honoring yourself and live with integrity and focusing on what matters most. The world needs your gifts. I am here to let nothing get in the way.
She is also meditation and yoga nidra teacher, dedicated to help people relax in their busy lives.
Meet me for a 45-minute introduction here.