Given the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of today’s business climate, the traditional notion of leadership is being challenged. While technical skills and managerial experience were once the primary criteria for identifying leaders. Forward-thinking companies are now recognizing the immense value that unconventional thinkers and innovators can bring to the table.
As an experienced leadership coach, I’ve helped many organizations actively seek out and cultivate these unconventional leaders – individuals who possess a unique blend of creativity, problem-solving abilities, and the courage to challenge the status quo. Here is how we encourage them to thrive:
Encourage Passion Projects: In my experience as a leadership coach, providing employees with the time and resources to work on side projects that align with their personal interests and passions can uncover hidden talents. These “passion projects” can reveal unconventional problem-solving approaches. They are a valuable way to identify high-potential individuals within the organization.
Host Hackathons and Ideation Sessions: Through my work with clients, I’ve observed that these high-energy collaborative events often surface innovative ideas and identify individuals with exceptional creative problem-solving abilities.
Offer Rotational Programs: Implement rotational programs that allow employees to experience different roles and departments within the organization. My clients in Europe implemented a program where executives change jobs every three years and hold different positions within the company, making them diversified leaders. This exposure can help you identify individuals who thrive in diverse environments and exhibit a breadth of skills.
Establish Reverse Mentoring: Pair younger, tech-savvy employees with seasoned leaders. This reverse mentoring dynamic not only upskills your more experienced personnel but also spotlights emerging talent with a fresh, unconventional perspective.
Conduct ‘Future Leaders’ Retreats: Organize retreats focused on developing leadership skills. Include team-building activities that challenge employees to step up and lead, highlighting those with natural leadership abilities. In my experience, these retreats can be invaluable in identifying unconventional leaders.
Encourage Failure Tolerance: Foster a culture that celebrates intelligent risk-taking and views failure as an opportunity for growth. This mindset empowers employees to explore unconventional approaches without fear of repercussions. I’ve seen this approach unlock significant innovation within my client organizations.
Implement Employee-Led Workshops: Allow employees to lead workshops on topics they are passionate about, not limited to work-related subjects. This approach helps spotlight potential leaders who can engage and educate others.
Use Peer Nomination Systems: Implement a system where employees can nominate their peers for leadership training programs based on their potential and performance. Peer reviews are often insightful and can uncover hidden leadership qualities.
Create Cross-Functional Project Teams: Form teams from various departments to work on specific company challenges. Watch for individuals who take the initiative and effectively coordinate and motivate their team.
Embrace Employee-Led Initiatives: Be receptive to employee-led initiatives that challenge the status quo. These bottom-up ideas often originate from unconventional thinkers who are passionate about driving positive change.
Evaluate Crisis Management: Observe how employees handle unexpected challenges or crises. Those who can manage stress effectively and guide others through tough times are likely to be effective leaders.
By implementing these ten strategies, you’ll cultivate an organizational culture that celebrates and nurtures unconventional leadership. Unlock the hidden potential within your company, and watch as your business thrives in the face of ever-changing market dynamics.
Lead From Within: The most innovative solutions often come from the most unexpected places. Empower your unconventional leaders, and unlock your organization’s full potential.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 6 Things Successful Leaders do to Retain Their Top Talent
- 10 Important Conversations to Have to Build a High-Performing Team
- How Successful Leaders Attract Top Talent with Their Secret Strategies
- 7 Smart Ways To Identify And Grow Future Leaders
- The Best Way Leaders Can Ignite Greatness in Each Employee
- How to Support and Encourage Employees Who Outshine Their Leader
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.