What is it about?
There are three critical roles in the innovation process. Everyone understands two of them - the executive leader who sets the tone and allocates resources, and the corporate entrepreneur who builds the business. Far fewer understand the role of what I call organizational "sherpas" - those people in the middle who knit together the new businesses with the existing ones. This paper explores the tasks Sherpas perform throughout the development of a corporate innovation.
Featured Image
Why is it important?
Because today, you can't talk about strategy without talking about innovation. And relatively few organizations have made it past "innovation theater." If we are going to succeed, we need to develop stronger innovation proficiency. Articles like this can de-mystify the process.
Perspectives
My own work has progressed a great deal since this piece was written, but its a good basic primer. Comments are welcome. Also note that I'm working on a new book on strategic inflection points called "seeing around corners" that will help with the timing dimensions of innovation.
Dr. Rita Gunther McGrath
Columbia College
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The misunderstood role of the middle manager in driving successful growth programs, Cambridge University Press,
DOI: 10.1017/cbo9780511618055.009.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
