R E S E A RC H + D E V ELO P M ENT
Navigating the
Politics of Innovation
Before you pitch your innovative ideas to your company,
take these steps to avoid a politics-motivated response
within the company.
EVERY COMPANY NEEDS innovation, but it’s not always easy to make it
happen. Whether it’s a new product or an improved process, the change you
envision may seem like a slam dunk to you, but it’s likely that someone may
feel threatened by the change to the status quo.
Follow these steps to anticipate political resistance and give your
innovative idea the best possible chance for success.
L
OOK FOR HIDDEN
AGENDAS. If you encounter
opposition, the stated reason
may not be the only one. Maybe
your idea would force a change in
operating procedures for another
division whose leaders don’t want
the disruption. Such unstated
reasons may be difficult to address
head on. Be sure you discover
hidden agendas and make a
strategy for overcoming them.
B
REAK A BIG INNOVATION
INTO SMALLER ONES. Many
big changes are truly made up of small
steps that add up to something much
bigger. Splitting your innovation into
pieces that can be implemented one by
one can help make each change easier
to sell and implement.
F
IND ALLIES. Testing your
idea before you pitch it will
usually make it better. You’ll prob-
ably have to convince more than
one person in authority to give
you a chance, and you’ll definitely
need support from other people
for a successful implementation.
Do yourself and your idea a favor
and bring in allies before you
need them.
F
IND A CHAMPION. Maybe
it’s a former mentor who’s
willing to go to bat for you.
Maybe it’s someone in another
department who can confirm
that a key element of your idea
is feasible. Whatever the details
might be, an advocate in a position
of authority can be invaluable.
Talk with your Relationship Manager about how Sterling National Bank
can help your business innovate and grow. Call (855) 876-8940 today.
6
SNB.COM // CONNECT INNOVATION FALL 2018 // RANKED ONE OF FORBES' BEST BANKS OF 2018
To read an ONLINE
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visit connect.snb.com/
automation.
WARNING:
POLITICS AT WORK
Opposition is only one way that work-
place politics can derail innovation.
The following personal behaviors are
also political, and they can stop an
innovative idea in its tracks.
Blaming other people for problems
Creating barriers between people
Developing relationships in the company
only for advancement
Creating conflict without being part of
the solution
Supporting only people with
shared goals
Withholding useful information
Taking credit for other people’s work
Avoid these behaviors in yourself
to help your idea succeed. If people on
your team or in positions of influence
over your proposal are doing these
things, make a plan to address them.