Throughout my leadership journey, I have shared examples of a disruptive innovation and a sustaining innovation within our community of interest. In a 2018 LinkedIn article, Choudhury shared key differences between sustaining innovation and disruptive innovation by identifying what the problem looks like in each, the purpose of the innovation, and the view of the market (Choudhury, 2018). Through this additional context, I was able to identify a sustaining innovation and disruptive innovation example within my organization. I have since been better able to consider innovations within my role at Willis Dady.
I find the most exciting part of my job is having opportunities to solve complex issues with research, collaboration, and innovation. An example of Willis Dady’s sustaining innovation is increasing and diversifying supportive housing by over 400% since 2017. We were able to accomplish this through community and funder collaboration and identifying the system involved in this innovation. By identifying the systemic pressures that can impact the success of innovation, I can clearly state my stakeholders and recognize their values, losses, and loyalties. I can leverage identified stakeholders alongside a PESTEL analysis to force and drive innovative change. Cawsey et al. (2020), identifies these factors as political, economic, social, technological, environment, and legal (Cawsey et al., 2020, p.5). This allows me to ensure that I am broadening my perspective and thinking and that diverse perspectives and voices are being heard.
Of the theory clusters described by Dugan (2017), I relate Willis Dady closest with is the relationship centered theory. This cluster includes “connective theory, relational model, and relational philosophies” (Dugan, 2017, p. 71). This cluster appears to be quite complex, yet through Dugan’s overview of each part of the cluster, I found the different behaviors that best matched my community. Acknowledging the connection between Willis Dady and the relationship centered theory has allowed us to become a more inclusive organization and have developed and enhanced programs to meet the needs of every client that we serve, regardless of barriers.
References:
Choudhury, R. (2018, August 9). Disruptive innovation vs. sustaining innovation. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20141123100030-18176179-disruptive-innovation-vs-sustaining-innovation/
Cawsey, T. F, Deszca, G., & Ingols, C. (2020). Organizational change: An action-oriented toolkit. Sage Publications.
Dugan, J. P. (2017). Leadership theory: Cultivating critical perspectives. Jossey-Bass.