#12: Fostering innovation

Why you should provide time and support so your teams can innovate more

Hey friends,

In this edition, I talk about:

• why innovation is crucial and how you can encourage it

• how I got a new certification

• 3 tweets I liked

• a thread on effective 1:1 meetings

• a book recommendation: “The Ride of a Lifetime”

1/ Foster innovation

Peter Drucker, probably the most famous management consultant ever, coined the phrase “innovate or die”.

And I think he was right.

Innovation is critical for the success and growth of tech companies, and all companies, for that matter. But it doesn't just happen; leaders must actively create an environment where people feel empowered to innovate.

Here are some ways to foster innovation:

• Provide time for experimentation. Allow engineers to dedicate a percentage of their time (say 10–20%) to work on new ideas or prototypes.

• Reward innovation. Formally recognize and celebrate employees' innovative projects and ideas. Consider innovation bonuses or rewards. Publicly spotlight innovative work.

• Encourage risk-taking. Let teams know that occasional failures a…