Kouzes and Posner, authors of the award-winning book, The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations, surveyed thousands of people on what qualities they want their leaders to posses and forward-thinking was ranked second, following honesty.

I’ve observed most leaders are hostage to the present. They feel overworked and overwhelmed at their current pace. How are you feeling?

To increase our ability to conceive new and creative solutions to today’s problems and needs in business, we need to pause, look, and listen. I’ve really been trying to focus on those three things. My first step to doing so was setting my cell phone and email aside periodically so I can observe the good taking place around me.

Look around, most innovation is more a matter of noticing “what’s going on” in the here-and-now than it is gazing into some crystal ball.

Here are eight ways leaders innovate and look forward to new possibilities:
1. Look at what you are doing and determine what is familiar and look for novel ways
2. Look for differences and distinctions
3. Look for unmet needs
4. Look for unheard voices
5. Listen to what you’ve never heard before
6. Use your imagination as to “what is possible”
7. Ask, “What’s next?”
8. Ask,  “How can we surprise and be out front?

I recently spent a day working with my video team on creative, innovative, forward-thinking content. I challenge you to be an innovative leader who is always thinking forward. Don’t be hostage to the present… step, look, and listen!

Here’s to your innovative thinking,
– Steve