Brian Solis: How Fear of Innovation Could Destroy Your Company
Jan 27, 2025
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Brian Solis, Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow and author of 'Mindshift,' discusses the dire need for companies to embrace technological disruptions like generative AI. He emphasizes that innovative thinking is crucial for leadership in today's fast-paced world. With real-world examples, Brian illustrates how empathetic persuasion can help teams overcome skepticism. He also highlights the importance of self-awareness and humility in leadership to drive positive change and maintain a proactive culture amidst rapid technological advancements.
Leaders must proactively embrace technological disruptions like generative AI and cultivate a mindset focused on foresight and opportunity.
Effective storytelling combined with empathy helps leaders communicate the benefits of new technologies, fostering team engagement and acceptance of change.
Deep dives
Embracing Generative AI as a Catalyst for Change
Generative AI represents a significant shift in how businesses approach innovation and disruption, moving away from merely improving existing processes. This technology encourages organizations to think beyond linear growth and to recognize new possibilities previously thought unattainable. By adopting a mindset focused on foresight, leaders are urged to proactively plan for opportunity rather than waiting to react to disruptions. Such a shift in thinking empowers businesses to grow exponentially and embrace the unknown, positioning them to leverage the capabilities of generative AI for transformative outcomes.
Navigating Skepticism in Organizational Change
Organizations often face resistance from individuals who are hesitant to embrace new technologies, stemming from skepticism, fear, or a belief in the status quo. To alleviate these concerns, leaders must cultivate an environment that encourages open dialogue and understanding, recognizing the experiences and fears of their teams. Strategies like empathetic persuasion and scenario planning can aid in illustrating the benefits of change, effectively bridging the gap between skepticism and acceptance. By demonstrating how these technologies can create personal value, leaders can motivate their teams to engage in the future actively.
The Power of Storytelling in Making Change Tangible
Effective storytelling, especially when combined with empathy, serves as a powerful tool for leaders aiming to communicate the potential of new technologies. By grounding narratives in real-world scenarios, leaders can help others envision the future and see themselves as part of it, making the abstract more accessible. Techniques such as storyboarding allow organizations to visualize their ideas and ensure they resonate with their audience, leading to more effective change management. When people can relate to the narrative, it fosters a sense of inclusion and ownership, increasing the likelihood of their acceptance and enthusiasm.
Harnessing Scenario Planning for Strategic Decision-Making
Scenario planning enables organizations to approach decision-making regarding new technologies by envisioning various future outcomes and their implications. This strategic exercise helps teams assess how generative AI might transform processes and roles within the organization, guiding them in making informed choices. By encouraging employees to think beyond immediate needs and consider long-term opportunities, scenario planning fosters a culture of adaptability and innovation. This proactive approach not only prepares teams for change but also boosts morale as individuals recognize their input and visions are valued in shaping the future.
In this episode of "Negotiate Anything," host Kwame Christian welcomes Brian Solis, the Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow, to discuss the future of technology and its implications for leadership and negotiation. Brian shares insights from his new book "Mindshift," emphasizing the need for a proactive and optimistic approach to technological disruptions. Through real-world examples, they explore how leaders can break through fear and skepticism to harness new technologies effectively. This conversation provides valuable strategies for navigating the complex landscape of technological innovation and change management in negotiations.
What’s Covered:
The importance of embracing technological disruptions like generative AI
How leaders can effectively persuade their teams to adopt new technologies
Real-world examples to illustrate the power of futuristic thinking