Stacking the Deck: How to Lead Breakthrough Change Against Any Odds

Chapter 12Innovation: Ideas and Perspectives

In the world of business and leadership books, few concepts have been more thoroughly analyzed than innovation—and rightfully so, since innovation is both indispensable and inspiring. Initially, innovation often seems to come from a place beyond logic: a bright flash, an “aha! moment.” By contrast, incremental changes are safe and generally straightforward; they bring steady improvement—to a point. But often not enough to reset the playing board, to rejigger where competitive advantage resides. Since no truly breakthrough change can come about without innovation in the mix, any discussion of implementing breakthrough change must address the role that innovation plays in the process.

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