How to Be an Innovator is an original series by Creative Perch. Last week we learned how to be ambidextrous by creating separate spaces for creativity and innovation. This week we’ll look at another important aspect of innovation – the role of an idea champion.
Part 15: Be an Idea Champion
Studies show that new ideas succeed most often when there is someone standing behind the idea to champion it. And most failures occur for lack of an idea champion.
What is an idea champion? Just an average you or me who believes passionately in something. “Idea champions provide the time and energy to make things happen. They fight to overcome natural resistance to change and to convince others of the merit of a new idea” (Daft, 2007, p. 410). When an idea or project hits a roadblock, and idea champion walks the project through the barrier, doing whatever it takes to move the idea forward.
Two Kinds of Champions
Daft (2007) describes two kinds of champions in an organizational setting; one is a technical champion, and the other is a management champion (p. 411). A technical champion “is the person who generates or adopts and develops an idea for a technological innovation and is devoted to it, even to the extent of risking position or prestige” (Daft, 2007, p. 411). A management champion “acts as a supporter and sponosr to shield and promote an idea within the organization” (Daft, 2007, p. 411).
What if You’re a Solo Artist?
Both of Daft’s definitions are given in an organizational context, so what if you’re a solo artist? Or a solo-preneur?
Do you still believe passionately in your idea? Then you can still be an idea champion!
As your very own personal idea champion, first of all, you must believe in what you are doing or making or creating. Second, you must be willing to walk it through every obstacle it may come across. If there’s a technical failure, you’ve got to commit to doing the research to overcome it. Then, you’ve got to walk your idea through management challenges like finances, promotion, and acceptance in the marketplace. You’ve got to ignore the haters and walk on.
Being an idea champion is easier and way more fun when you’ve got a team walking with you. Tune in next week for more on that topic!
Related posts:
- How to Be an Innovator, Part 22: Ask the Right Questions
- How to Be an Innovator, Part 4: Form a Strategic Partnership
- How to Be an Innovator, Part 16: Identify a Need
- How to Be an Innovator, Part 14: Be Ambidextrous
- How to Be an Innovator Series Wrapup
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