How to incorporate innovation, positive change into our lives

This month’s theme is “lead innovation and positive change,” a key Yale leadership expectation, but also a powerful invitation to us all to think about how to bring innovation and positive change into our lives, both at work and home.

When we ask multiple groups of Yale managers “Who can lead?” we hear the same answer: “Anyone can lead.” This is invariably supported by anecdotal stories of the ways these managers have seen people at all organizational levels take the lead with successful and meaningful outcomes.

As you read this are you also thinking, “Of course anyone can lead!”, and remembering your own stories of how you or others you admire have led? Think about the last two years and the numerous ways that Yale staff and faculty have indeed led innovation and positive change, on the world stage, but also quietly behind the scenes, across campus and departments.

Now for the real challenge: How do we keep going? How do you embrace the call to “Lead Innovation and Positive Change” as a constant from whatever position you hold? We hope that one of the ways you might think about this is from the learning and growing perspective. (We clearly have a bias about this, as Learning and Development is our passion!)

You might ask yourself how much you know about current trends within your area of work? Do you have something you do that you feel particularly passionate about? Passion and excitement are great motivators and if you can connect them to what you do daily, this can lead to all manner of positive outcomes.

• Do you have the opportunity to learn something new or teach others about something you are knowledgeable about?
• Have you peeked at the courses offered through the Learning Center or any of the curated courses on the Yale LinkedIn Learning site?
• Do you have access to other learning opportunities within your department, or outside of Yale?
• Have you taken advantage of the Tuition Reimbursement program offered to Yale employees?
• Do you already have areas of expertise that you would enjoy sharing with others?

If your answer is yes to any of the questions above, then, how can you take the lead and share your ideas with your colleagues or managers?

You are probably thinking: enough questions already, but we could ask more.

Suffice it to say, we hope that you will continue to ask yourself these questions and others and think about how you can lead innovation and positive change. Make an appointment to meet with your manager, supervisor or HRG to share your ideas. Take advantage when university leaders ask for feedback. We look forward to hearing about your endeavors!