HBR On Leadership cover image

HBR On Leadership

How the Best Leaders Drive Innovation

Feb 14, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Harvard Business School professor Linda Hill, an expert on leadership and innovation, shares her insights on how the best leaders drive innovation. She emphasizes that true innovation requires leaders to embrace roles as architects, bridgers, and catalysts. Hill explains the importance of co-creation and building strong team dynamics rather than relying solely on authority. With practical strategies for fostering collaboration and commitment, she illustrates how inviting participation is key to unlocking creative potential.
08:52

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Leaders must fulfill three functions: architect, bridger, and catalyst to effectively lead innovation.
  • Leaders should let go of formal authority and focus on building commitment through trust and mutual influence to drive breakthrough innovations.

Deep dives

Leading Innovation through Co-Creation

Leaders who shepherd innovation need to understand how to get people to co-create with them. They must move from focusing on vision to shaping culture and capabilities. To lead innovation effectively, leaders must fulfill three functions: architect, bridger, and catalyst. As an architect, leaders need to build a collaborative culture and assemble the right team. As a bridger, they must connect with outside talent and resources. Finally, as a catalyst, leaders should accelerate co-creation throughout the entire ecosystem, either to fulfill their organization's purpose or to bring about broader change and impact.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner