High-performing executive teams do not rely on innovation as a one-time event or annual exercise. They intentionally create space within their regular leadership meetings for strategic reflection, creative thinking, and continuous improvement.
In this final episode of the series, Nicole Bendaly, Managing Partner at Boyden and head of our Canadian Leadership Consulting Practice, explores Innovative Thinking as the sixth and final habit that differentiates high-performing executive teams. She reframes innovation not as breakthrough products or disruptive ideas, but as everyday creativity. The small, consistent shifts in thinking and ways of working that compound into meaningful impact over time.
Nicole invites leaders to reflect on how they use their time together and outlines several ways executive teams can assess and strengthen innovative thinking:
Making Time for Strategic and Creative Thinking
How much time in leadership meetings is dedicated to brainstorming, reflection, and forward-looking discussion, versus status updates and operational reporting?
Questioning Existing Ways of Working
Are leaders regularly challenging current systems, processes, and assumptions in pursuit of greater efficiency, stronger outcomes, and deeper engagement?
Encouraging Risk, Learning, and Support
Is there a shared mindset that intelligent risk-taking and failure are part of growth, with leaders supporting one another through learning and change?
Anchoring Innovation to Purpose and Goals
Is creative thinking intentionally tied to organizational priorities, ensuring ideas and experimentation are both meaningful and aligned?
As this series comes to a close, the message is clear: high-performing teams recognize that growth does not happen in the comfort zone. By embedding innovative thinking into their regular leadership rhythm, executive teams strengthen their ability to adapt, evolve, and perform at a higher level together.
Download the free 6 Habits Exercise to assess the level of innovative thinking within your leadership team and reflect on how these six habits show up across your executive team.
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