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The long run isn’t one thing that occurs to us—it’s one thing we create. However with uncertainty and fast change at each flip, most leaders are left feeling caught, looking for a approach ahead. How do you drive innovation when the trail forward feels unclear? How do you encourage a group to see alternative in challenges?
On this episode of Future Prepared Management, Google’s first Chief Innovation Evangelist, Frederik Pferdt, shares the mindset shifts and actionable methods that flip uncertainty into risk.
Frederik doesn’t simply speak about innovation—he’s helped construct some of the progressive firms on the planet by empowering groups to experiment boldly, keep curious, and embrace radical optimism. And his message is evident: innovation isn’t about methods, perks, or assets. It’s about mindset.
Cease Killing Concepts Earlier than They Have a Probability
Why accomplish that many nice concepts appear to die earlier than they even get began? In accordance with Frederik, leaders have a tendency to judge concepts as a substitute of permitting them to develop. “An thought board,” he mentioned, “is the place concepts go to die.”
Give it some thought: somebody in your group involves you with an thought they’re enthusiastic about. Your first intuition could be to choose it aside—we don’t have the price range, it’s not a part of the technique, who’s going to work on it? The concept dies on arrival due to the message that these questions ship to your individuals.
Frederik flips the script. As a substitute of evaluating concepts, he says leaders have to encourage experimentation. Let your group take a look at their concepts rapidly and study quick—with out ready for good circumstances. It’s like gardening: “You plant seeds, see what grows, and study from what doesn’t.”
Hearken to the episode right here on Apple Podcast & go away a assessment!
Substitute “However” with “And”
Frederik additionally shared a easy however highly effective management tip: exchange “however” with “and”. Right here’s what that appears like:
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As a substitute of, “That’s a good suggestion, however we don’t have the assets,”
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Strive, “That’s a good suggestion, and let’s work out make it occur.”
It appears small, however language issues. “However” shuts doorways. “And” retains prospects alive. When leaders use “and,” they sign to their group that concepts are price exploring. That is what fostering radical optimism is all about. It’s a perception that we will make issues higher, not simply hope they enhance on their very own.
What Is Radical Optimism Anyway?
Radical optimism is extra than simply being optimistic—it’s an energetic mindset. It’s asking: “What’s potential now?” even when the scenario feels unsure.
As an instance, he shared a private story: through the California wildfires, Frederik and his household needed to evacuate as flames approached their dwelling. They couldn’t management the wildfires, however they may management how they responded. As a substitute of specializing in loss, they used it as an opportunity to reimagine how they lived—rising their very own meals, amassing rainwater, and harnessing photo voltaic power.
This mindset applies to management. When your group faces a problem, what’s your response? Are you paralyzed by worry, or do you search for the alternatives inside the problem? The leaders who succeed are those who see uncertainty as an invite to behave.
Hearken to the episode right here on Apple Podcast & go away a assessment!
Coaching Your Thoughts for Openness and Curiosity
Most of us love our routines. We take the identical path to work, eat on the identical eating places, and speak to the identical individuals. It feels secure and acquainted, however it’s the enemy of innovation. That’s why Frederik challenges leaders to construct unreserved openness and compulsive curiosity—as a result of innovation doesn’t occur whenever you keep in your consolation zone.
Simply begin small.
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Take a distinct path to work.
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Strive a meals you’ve by no means eaten earlier than.
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Have a dialog with somebody new.
These small shifts might sound insignificant, however they prepare your thoughts to embrace the unfamiliar. Over time, you’ll get higher at seeing alternatives the place others see roadblocks—and that’s how leaders keep future-ready.
Human Qualities That Drive Innovation
Frederik’s greatest perception is that this: innovation doesn’t come from processes or frameworks—it comes from individuals. Essentially the most progressive groups share deeply human qualities: curiosity, empathy, openness, a way of experimentation, and optimism.
As leaders, it’s straightforward to get caught up in technique, instruments, and assets. However in case you’re not fostering these 5 human qualities, you’re lacking the purpose. Frederik summed it up completely: “The query isn’t what you wish to obtain. It’s who you wish to be.”
So, who do you wish to be as a frontrunner? Are you displaying up with curiosity, optimism, and openness? Are you making a tradition the place concepts develop as a substitute of dying on arrival?
Able to Create the Future?
In a world the place change is fixed and uncertainty feels inevitable, Frederik Pferdt’s methods supply a refreshing reminder: You don’t want all of the solutions—you want the fitting mindset. Leaders who embrace curiosity, experimentation, and radical optimism create cultures the place innovation thrives and prospects emerge.
Able to discover ways to form the long run as a substitute of reacting to it? Hearken to the complete episode with Frederik Pferdt to dive deeper into these concepts and uncover sensible methods to get your group future-ready.
Hearken to the episode right here on Apple Podcast & go away a assessment!
