Season 1 - Post 5
Empowering Independent Thinking and Encouraging Calculated Risk Taking: The Engines of Innovation

Introduction

Welcome back to our ongoing series on Wingman Leadership. In previous discussions, we've delved into foundational principles such as the importance of vision, the necessity for shared understanding, the cultivation of trust, and the imperative for leaders to offer actionable guidance. Today, we turn our attention to the final two elements that fuel innovation and progress in a decentralized leadership model: Empowering Independent Thinking and Encouraging Calculated Risk Taking. Far from being rare, they are inherent qualities often stifled in traditional work settings. As a leader, it's your responsibility to create an environment where these traits can flourish, guided by your vision, principles, and clear directives.

Empowering Independent Thinking in Teams

The Role of Independent Thinking in Innovation

Independent thinking is not just a nice-to-have; it's a driving force for performance and innovation within organizations. It fosters creativity and collaboration, enabling team members to explore new avenues and solutions. Moreover, employees who engage in independent thinking contribute to an engaging and inclusive work environment. We've all heard the saying, "we've always done it this way." Imagine the possibilities if teams were empowered to challenge this mindset and try something different.

Strategies to Empower Independent Thinking

• Stop Having All the Answers: Encourage your team to think for themselves. the next time a question arises, instead of providing the answer, ask, "What do you think we should do?" You'll be surprised by the insights your team can offer when given the chance.

• Start Small: Begin by setting clear boundaries for decision-making autonomy. Within these parameters, allow—and expect—your team to determine the best course of action. It may differ from your approach, but that's okay; it's a learning opportunity.

• Regular Check-Ins: Maintain ongoing dialogues to discuss progress, tackle challenges, and, most importantly, offer support. While you should trust your team, verification in the early stages is crucial. However, resist the urge to micromanage, as it defeats the purpose of empowerment.

• Build Psychological Safety: Cultivate an environment where team members can freely express their ideas without fear of judgment. Even a seemingly bad idea can spark valuable discussions and learning.

Encouraging Calculated Risk Taking in Teams

The Importance of Risk-Taking in Team Dynamics

Risk-taking is not reckless behavior; it's a catalyst for innovation and progress. Leaders should inspire their teams to take calculated risks, emphasizing the value of learning from both triumphs and setbacks. Risk aversion often leads to stagnation and waste, hindering the very innovation organizations claim to seek.

Strategies to Encourage Risk-Taking

• Collaborative Decision-Making: Involve your team in the decision-making process. This not only empowers them but also allows you to share the burden of risk, opening up new possibilities for action.

• Risk Assessment Framework: Implement a straightforward framework for evaluating risks, incorporating factors like likelihood and severity. Ensure that decisions come with a risk assessment and question those that avoid risk altogether.

• Celebrate Failures as Learning Opportunities: Foster a culture where failure is not a taboo but a stepping stone for growth. Accept that even the best-laid plans can go awry and use these instances as learning opportunities.

The Leader's Role in Fostering Independent Thinking and Risk-Taking

As a leader, you are the linchpin in empowering independent thinking and encouraging calculated risk-taking. If you've successfully implemented the other four pillars of Wingman Leadership, these final two elements will naturally evolve over time. Your team's confidence and capabilities will grow with each new experience, guided by your unwavering values and vision. Your role is not just to direct but to nurture, support, and develop your team as they embark on their innovation journey.

Conclusion

Empowering independent thinking and encouraging calculated risk-taking are not mere leadership techniques; they are the engines that propel innovation and progress. Leaders play an indispensable role in nurturing these qualities, setting the stage for not just individual but organizational success.

By integrating these elements into your leadership approach, you're not just managing a team—you're building a team of fellow leaders able to operate independently. In doing so, you enhance overall decision-making, resilience, agility, engagement, and innovation.