I can vividly recall the moment my professional trajectory shifted. ✨

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It was like fireworks were going off in my brain - a mix of excitement and ideas, overwhelm and optimism.

My organization was selected by the Alliance for Innovation (AFI) to have a cross-functional team immersed in a brand-new program designed to build innovation and high-performance capacity.

There have been only a handful of times in my life I’ve jumped into something not fully understanding what to expect (my fellow planners will relate 🙂), and this was one of them. What this team thought would be a nine-month “training” turned into the foundation for a long-term focus on building the exciting things we were learning into the way we worked every day.

The experience gave me so much more than I ever imagined! Here are three facets that had an exponential impact on sustained progress:

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✨SPARK #1

What started as a “one-and-done” innovation project was very exciting, and the experience gave our team a lot of momentum. If you have similar inspiration from an individual or team, consider how your approach can:

• capitalize on the passions and strengths of individuals on the team; and,
• be communicated broadly to inspire and empower others to become involved.

These two small steps lay an important foundation for sustainable innovation work.

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✨SPARK #2

Having a team of people working on high-performance and innovation projects/goals is incredible. It can thrive in the long run when organizations also evolve these critical core aspects:

• Culture
• Alignment
• Talent
• Execution

Nurture the work of your champions, and ensure that the holistic approach is considered as part of your journey.

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​✨SPARK #3

My innovation spark started with bringing people together (talent) and a focus on one project (execution) but was amplified 1000% by building my community. The initial team that was pulled together was my first “community” around this work, and I am so thankful for the deep connections and important foundational work that resulted.

Through my ongoing engagement with Alliance for Innovation, I discovered a larger community that led me to develop relationships with incredible humans that had this same spark, and THAT ultimately turned my spark into a full-on passion!

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📢CALL TO ACTION

Innovation and high-performance work aren’t for the faint of heart. If you read this and felt a spark of curiosity or excitement, or if you’re doing this work and looking for relationships that you will cherish both professionally and personally, I urge you to seek out your community.

My performance management and innovation people already in the trenches and part of a community will feel this statement deep in their bones. The shared camaraderie and learning are invaluable!

❓Have you found your spark? Your community? If so, I’d love to hear your story! Whether you’ve already established it or are just getting started, I encourage you to always seek ways to nurture it! If you’re unsure where to start, reach out - maybe I can spark some ideas to help!
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~Kim ✨

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