Why Innovation and Leadership
Leaders and Innovators Make Positive Change
Innovation and Leadership are all about making positive and meaningful change within our communities, society, and the world. To be a great innovator and leader, you need to have specific knowledge, skills, and attitude toward the work you do.
The CALS Pathways to Innovation and Leadership program provides opportunities for all CALS students to elevate those essential transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, self-development, and more.
Everyone can be an innovator and leader.
In a world that is always changing, it is becoming more and more important to keep up with new technologies and global challenges. When it comes to solving tricky problems, it's all about bringing together people with different views and perspectives to come up with effective and innovative solutions. Whether or not you feel confident calling yourself a "leader" or an "innovator", the Pathways program is here to help you on your way to leading positive changes.
Check out some common myths below to bust any misunderstandings about innovation and leadership!
Innovation Myths
Innovation = invention
Innovation has been a buzzword for a long time, but it can easily be confused with "invention". Invention is part of innovation (new ideas, products, processes), but innovation is the process of bringing that idea into reality.
Innovation = new ideas
Iowa State commonly defines innovation as "something different that creates value and improves the quality of our lives". While new ideas can certainly improve lives, innovation can also involve reusing, repurposing, or combining ideas, technologies, processes, products, and more!
Only a genius can be an innovator.
Are you willing to try new things? Are you open to growing as a thinker, learner, and person? If your answer is "yes", then you can be an innovator!
Only creative people can be innovative.
Creative people "think outside the box" by imagining new ideas and solutions. Innovation goes beyond creativity by putting those ideas into action. Even if you don't feel like you are particularly creative, your unique mindset and skillset can help bring ideas to life.
Leadership Myths
Leaders are born, not made.
Some people might think that leaders are just born that way, like it's in their DNA, but anyone can become a leader! Your surroundings and experiences play a big role in shaping you as a leader. Like any other skill, leadership can be learned and practiced.
Charisma is what makes an effective leader.
While having charisma may be helpful, it is not a requirement for being a successful leader. Everyone can learn to be an effective leader when they have the right tools.
You need a formal title to be a leader.
Not at all. Leadership can be between any individuals who share an experience. What matters is that you're open to listening and adapting your goals as you work together toward positive change.
You only need common sense to be a leader.
Leadership takes more than common sense. It is a process that involves learning about yourself and those around you so you may work together toward a common goal. Strong leaders are usually great at listening and adapting to the needs of the group.