Issue 47: Spark Innovation On Your Team

"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower."

— Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc.

Welcome to Issue 47!

By now, you’ve probably had your fill of turkey, stuffing, and pie. Maybe you’re even experimenting with creative ways to reinvent those leftovers—turkey soup, stuffing waffles, or a new twist on the classic sandwich.

Just like those Thanksgiving leftovers, sometimes the solutions to our biggest challenges are already in front of us—we just need to look at them in a new way. This week, we’re talking about how to foster that same innovative mindset within your team. In healthcare, where staffing shortages and constant change are the norm, the ability to think creatively and adapt is critical for staying ahead.

What This Looks Like in Healthcare:

• Sticking to the status quo: Your team might rely on outdated workflows because “that’s how we’ve always done it.” While familiar processes feel safe, they can lead to inefficiencies, frustration, and missed opportunities for better care.

• Discouraging risk-taking: You might inadvertently shut down new ideas with phrases like, “That won’t work here,” or, “We don’t have time to try something new.” This can leave your team feeling like their input doesn’t matter.

• Lack of support for experimentation: Limited staffing and tight budgets make it hard to allocate time or resources for trying new approaches. Without that support, even promising ideas can’t get off the ground.

What You Should Be Doing Instead:

1. Encourage creative problem-solving: Create space for your team to propose ideas—even small ones. For example, ask during huddles: “What’s one small change that could make your shift run more smoothly?” You’d be amazed what fresh ideas surface when you invite them.

2. Model risk-taking: Demonstrate that it’s okay to test new approaches. If a nurse suggests a new method for rounding, pilot it on one shift or unit and evaluate the results together. When leaders embrace calculated risks, it shows your team that innovation is valued.

3. Allocate time and resources: Even small time investments can encourage innovation. Set aside 15 minutes during staff meetings for brainstorming or problem-solving. For example, if a team member proposes a new way to reduce discharge delays, discuss how to test it during the next shift.

4. Celebrate learning from failure: When a new idea doesn’t go as planned, focus on what was learned rather than dwelling on the result. For example, if a pilot to streamline medication administration doesn’t work, talk about what insights were gained and what can be adjusted.

Want my help to create opportunities for your team to get creative? Book Your Free Healthcare Leadership Diagnostic & Strategy Session Here. Together, we’ll explore ways to build an innovative culture that aligns with your team’s realities and your goals

Next Week's Preview:

Next week, we’ll explore how to build resilience within your team and help them thrive under pressure. Until then, think about how you can take one leftover challenge in your team and turn it into something new.

Take a moment to ask your team: “What’s one thing we could do differently to make our work easier or better for patients?” You might be surprised at what they come up with.

You never know—it might just be the “turkey soup” solution you’ve been looking for. :)

Go out there and lead,

Asia