Finding healthy tension between innovation and consistency is crucial for leaders, teams, and organizations seeking long-term success. As the following graphic illustrates, there are positive results that come exclusively from focusing on both.
At the same time, there are inevitable negative results if you overfocus on one value to the neglect of the other.
EMBRACE INNOVATION: Discuss the deltas.
When I began my career as a corporate trainer, I had the privilege of working alongside Fred Clark, a talented leader and instructor. Together, we led corporate clients through outdoor team building and adventure-based training on high ropes courses.
One practice Fred instilled in our team stands out vividly to me still, decades later: the “Plus/Delta Debrief.” After each program, regardless of the amount of cleanup that awaited us, Fred would gather the team for a brief conversation. Facing one another in a circle, we’d start with the “plusses,” acknowledging what went well during our program and how to build on those successes in the future. Then, we’d focus on what we might try differently next time. We referred to these as our “deltas” as we discussed opportunities for change.
These delta conversations were invaluable. They weren’t about dwelling on failures but rather about identifying opportunities for refinement. Even when things went incredibly well, we still consistently generated ideas that might lead to improvement.
By framing these discussions as pluses and deltas as opposed to taking a traditional pros and cons approach, we fostered a culture of healthy challenge. It was empowering—we felt motivated to explore new ideas and approaches without feeling defeated or embarrassed.
This technique isn’t limited to outdoor adventures; it works for any organization. Taking a page from Fred’s playbook, carve out time for this type of reflection, both as a team and individually. This discipline is a sure way to foster a growth mindset throughout your team as you embrace change with the confidence that you are one step closer to excellence.
By integrating regular Plus/Delta Debriefs into your team’s routine, you will quickly gain the benefits of innovation and continuous improvement.
Innovation Quick Tip: Plus/Delta Debrief
- Following an event/initiative/meeting gather and face one another in a circle
- Discuss what the ‘plusses’ were
- Debrief your ‘deltas’ (improvements for next time) together
EMBRACE CONSISTENCY – Look away!
Shiny Object Syndrome (SOS) is the tendency for individuals to gravitate toward novel and trendy ideas or opportunities, often at the expense of their current objectives. Fueled by a fear of missing out and a craving for excitement, this phenomenon can result in a loss of focus and neglect of long-term goals.
As an entrepreneur and business owner, I’m especially vulnerable to SOS due to my hardwired optimism and enthusiasm for new ideas. However, I’ve come to realize through experience that while many of these opportunities appear enticing, pursuing them impulsively can derail progress and hinder my overall success.
Recognizing and managing SOS are essential for benefiting from consistency within my organization. It’s important that I acknowledge when I’m being drawn away by the allure of a slick, new idea and, instead, maintain focus on my current priorities and stay committed to my long-term objectives.
To minimize the downsides of SOS within your team, it’s helpful to utilize a powerful question introduced by author and business strategist Greg McKeown: “If we were to say yes to this new, novel idea or opportunity, what will we have to say no to? And are we okay with that?” This question helps to distinguish between mere distractions and genuine innovations by forcing you to consider the trade-offs.
Personally, I’ve discovered that discussing this question with my team can be game changing. It allows me to see potential downsides and manage the blind spots created by SOS.
Embracing Quick Tip: Shiny Object Syndrome Fact Check
- When a new initiative/change/process is suggested ask the SOS Fact Check question: “If we were to say yes to this new, novel idea or opportunity, what will we have to say no to? And are we okay with that?”
By embracing both innovation and consistency, leaders can navigate the complexities of change and drive successful transformation. As you integrate these principles into your leadership journey, you’ll find yourself one step closer to achieving excellence and fostering a culture of high-performance and adaptability.
DIY Team Building Activity:
Six Word Summary
Remember those back-to-school assignments where you shared your summer adventures? Bring that same excitement and engagement to your next meeting with this modern twist!
Step One: Explain the Rules and Objectives
- Challenge: Team members have 90 seconds to craft a six-word summary of their past season or month.
- Objective: In six words (or fewer), describe how they spent their time.
- Tone: This can be fun or serious—it’s their choice!
Step Two: Provide Examples
Help your team understand the concept by sharing a few examples. Display them on a slide and read them aloud:
- Life is short, bike ride more.
- Got a puppy. Need more sleep.
- Limiting social media and news helps!
- Friends and family mean renewed energy.
- Slower-paced weeks, mean happier Tim.
Step Three: Time for Sharing
- Timer: Set a 90-second timer for everyone to write their six-word summary.
- Sharing:
- If your team has 12 people or fewer, ask each member to share their summary one-by-one.
- For larger groups, divide into small groups of about four people. Give them five minutes to share their summaries and discuss upcoming season highlights and challenges.
Have Fun!
Monthly Inspiration
“Bothness is the idea that you can do something even if you are scared to do it.
It’s the idea that you can feel angry with your partner, notice that anger with compassion, and still reach out and give them a hug, because you recognize how much you value the relationship.
There is wisdom in bothness. We can be afraid and still engage with a challenge. We can grieve and still laugh at a joke. Bothness gives us access to the full spectrum of life.
Too often, we think that the world is a series of either/or decisions. Be bold. Choose both.”
Dr. Susan David
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