Stepping into an innovation management role is fundamentally different from managing traditional business functions. Even experienced managers, accustomed to excelling in established corporate roles, often find that their tried-and-true methods fall short when applied to innovation. This is because innovation management is not just another management role - it requires a unique approach, distinct from the practices that work for functional or operational roles.

Key Differences in Innovation Management:

1. New Skills and Frameworks: Innovation managers must learn and apply specialized processes, methodologies, and frameworks tailored to fostering creativity, experimentation, and breakthrough thinking.

2. Multidisciplinary and Independent Teams: Unlike traditional teams, innovation teams are often diverse in expertise and operate with a higher degree of autonomy, requiring managers to adopt a more facilitative leadership style.

3. Gaining Executive Support: Innovation managers often face challenges in securing buy-in from executives who may not fully understand the language or value of innovation, making alignment and communication critical.

Preparing for Success:
Taking on an innovation management role requires preparation, support, and a clear understanding of how to navigate these challenges. Here’s how I help innovation managers and organizations build a solid foundation for success:

1. Onboarding Workshops:
   Begin with workshops that introduce peers and executives to the innovation journey. These sessions clarify the unique aspects of the innovation manager’s role, the shifts in responsibilities, and how success should be measured.

2. Training, Coaching, and Mentoring:
   Provide tailored training for newly appointed innovation managers and their teams, equipping them with the tools and confidence to lead effectively.

3. Innovation Process Analysis and Redesign:
   Assess existing innovation processes and refine or redesign them to ensure they align with organizational goals and foster sustainable innovation.

4. Vision and Innovation Thesis Development:
   Collaborate with the innovation manager to articulate a compelling vision and innovation thesis that guides efforts and aligns stakeholders.

5. Stakeholder Management Strategies:
   Develop strategies to build executive support, manage expectations, and create alignment across the organization.

6. Team Management Coaching:
   Provide coaching to help managers lead multidisciplinary teams effectively, fostering collaboration, creativity, and accountability.

Reach out if you or in your company people seek to understand the ups and downs of innovation management.