Between Innovation Podcast

Ever heard the phrase “Yes, and …”? Join us as we explore these two powerful words, their origin in improv, and their importance to innovation. We’ll also discuss:

Innovation is about hope for change and the answers often lie within. Learn how to embrace your creativity and contribute your unique perspectives to drive innovation.

We dive into the multifaceted world of creativity and challenge traditional notions that limit it to artistic pursuits. We discuss how creativity is an innate human capability, applicable to a wide range of fields and essential for problem-solving, innovation, and personal growth. 

By challenging conventional wisdom and offering practical insights, this episode empowers listeners to tap into their own creativity and foster a more inclusive and innovative world.

Joe and Kathy discuss the pervasive language and behaviors that hinder innovation in the workplace. They delve into the overuse of "I" statements by leaders that leave team members feeling unheard and excluded. They also explore the impact of phrases like "I know," which can shut down conversations, and the detrimental effects of silence and lack of acknowledgment. Additionally, they discuss the importance of curiosity and active listening, as well as the power of "yes, and" in fostering collaboration and building on ideas. Kathy and Joe emphasize the importance of self-reflection and vulnerability in creating a psychologically safe and inclusive environment that promotes innovation. They encourage listeners to assess their own communication patterns and seek feedback from their teams to identify areas for improvement.

Connect with Us:

Learn more about leadership and the human side of innovation at www.switchinnovationlab.com 

Connect with Joe Watson and Kathy Wilcox on LinkedIn

Join Joe Watson and Kathy Wilcox, partners at Switch Innovation Lab, on the Between Innovation podcast as they delve into the human conditions necessary for innovation to thrive. In this episode, they tackle the often misunderstood concept of accountability, exploring how it can be a driving force for successful innovation. They discuss the importance of clarity, mutual accountability, and resource allocation, emphasizing that innovation requires a different approach than traditional business metrics. Joe and Kathy share valuable insights, strategies, and real-world examples to help you foster a culture of accountability and drive innovation within your organization.

Key Takeaways:

Connect with Us:

Learn more about innovation at www.switchinnovationlab.com or connect with Joe Watson and Kathy Wilcox on LinkedIn.

Let's redefine accountability and unlock the power of innovation together!

This episode of the Between Innovation podcast delves deep into the concept of belonging and its profound impact on innovation, employee engagement, and organizational success. Co hosts Joe Watson and Kathy Wilcox explore how feeling like you belong can transform one's experience at work, leading to increased job performance, decreased turnover, and lessened sick days. They argue that creating an environment of belonging involves more than just diversity and inclusion; it’s about celebrating and embracing differences, fostering curiosity, and ensuring everyone’s voice is heard and valued. The conversation touches on the consequences of not belonging, including stress and lack of engagement, and suggests that organizations that prioritize belonging can drive innovation and success. They also discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for people to be vulnerable, share their stories, and feel like they truly belong. This episode concludes by contemplating a workplace utopia where belonging is celebrated, leading to a more productive, innovative, and inclusive organization.

In this episode we chat about the crucial role of clarity in bulding an innovative culture. We discuss multiple levels of clarity, from understanding individual roles and responsibilities to understanding the overarching purpose within an organization. The conversation highlights the challenges of achieving clarity in today's evolving work environments, including hybrid work models and the VUCA environment. Joe and Kathy emphasize the need for intentional communication, frequent feedback, adaptable processes, and rethinking outdated practices like annual performance reviews. We also explore the complexities of clarity within ad hoc teams and offer practical best practices for improving clarity in dynamic environments and connecting clarity to psychological safety for effective innovation.

The episode explores the concept of psychological safety, defining it as a shared belief among team members that taking risks, voicing opinions, and admitting mistakes won't lead to negative consequences. Joe and Kathy discuss how psychological safety allows for innovation, as it enables individuals to speak up, contribute ideas, and learn from mistakes. They examine how leaders can foster a psychologically safe environment through curiosity, communication, and positive reinforcement, rather than punitive measures. Key elements include taking risks, expressing ideas and concerns, asking questions, and admitting mistakes in a supportive setting to drive organizational growth and improve team dynamics.

The episode covers the concept of human innovation in the workplace. Switch Innovation Lab partners Joe Watson and Kathy Wilcox discuss the five key factors essential for fostering an innovative environment: psychological safety, belonging, clarity, accountability, and motivation. We explain that innovation involves not just the output but the pathway, requiring human action. Emphasizing the role of each individual, Kathy and Joe explain how innovation should be a collective effort involving a culture of shared responsibility, rather than being relegated to special groups. Discussing the need for reinvention due to rapid change, we discuss the term 'VUCA' (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous), which has accelerated the pace at which organizations must evolve. We also mention research on the speed of organizational reinvention and the necessity of involving all levels of the organization. Throughout the episode, examples within the healthcare industry and leadership behaviors are used to demonstrate these concepts practically.