To Embrace the Future, Leaders Can Create an Innovation Mindset

As mission needs evolve and citizen expectations continue to rise, there is an increasing need for Government innovation and technology modernization. Government leaders should adopt an Innovation Mindset to address citizen needs and achieve mission success. Government organizations must have the tools necessary to develop innovation and address challenges successfully.

The Innovation Checkpoint at McCarran Airport in Las Vegas, which reopened in 2021 is the only airport security checkpoint in the nation that tests new security technology in real time. This collaboration between the Transportation Security Administration and McCarran Airport is one of many examples of organizations implementing an Innovation Mindset to act and use innovative approaches to solve homeland security challenges.

An Innovation Mindset is an approach that Government organizations can adopt to achieve mission successes. For this approach, Government organizations must have the tools necessary to mature innovation and address challenges successfully. One tool to foster innovation within an organization is to develop an Innovation Mindset. An Innovation Mindset is a dedicated attitude focused on developing creative solutions and a commitment to taking action to add value, produce and implement bold ideas, and achieve mission results.

Government leaders and agencies face rapidly changing and complex mission environments, which require innovative solutions to meet their dynamic needs. An Innovation Mindset focuses on the ability to devise and identify unconventional and groundbreaking solutions to address an unmet need and helps individuals and groups identify ways to deliver value to both the organization and its stakeholders.

Here are steps organizations can take to establish a strong Innovation Mindset that supports mission success:

• Determine Internal Innovation Goals – Identify strategic priorities, dynamic challenges, and trends that affect the mission, and define what innovation means for the organization

• Evaluate Current Practices – Assess the effectiveness of current policies, processes, and practices, and document practices to reinforce those that fall within scope

• Introduce Innovation Tools and Practices – Implement specific innovation tools to address gaps, and conduct strategic communications and trainings so employees know how to use innovation tools

• Empower Innovators – Introduce and communicate innovation processes to all employees, share news ideas, and create channels for feedback

• Evaluate and Implement New Ideas – Establish repeatable processes for leadership to evaluate and implement ideas that support strategy, and provide clear feedback on evolving goals

Organizations can use these Innovation Mindset steps to assess their current support for innovation within an organization, define strategic goals and targets, and guide specific actions for to optimize their support for innovation. At each step, work to celebrate and reward success, share lessons learned, encourage employee involvement, and continuously improve innovation practices.

This repeatable approach as part of an overarching initiative to create and foster a culture of innovation. With the right tools, techniques, leadership, and consistency, an organization can help its employees create new ideas, take smart risks, and overcome any new complex mission challenge.