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Hey there, innovation champions!
When I tell you that my most powerful lesson about innovation came from organizing a grassroots movement, you might wonder what that has to do with tech leadership. But stick with me – this story could transform how you think about team connection and breakthrough innovation.
Back in December, I gathered twelve people in a living room to tackle what seemed like an impossible challenge.
We weren’t developing software or launching a product – we were building a response team for civic emergencies. But the principles that emerged mirror exactly what I see in the most innovative tech companies.
Here’s what fascinated me: In just eight weeks, that initial group of twelve exploded to seventy-five members. Earlier this week, I helped orchestrate a last-minute event that drew over 900 attendees.
The secret? It wasn’t better processes or fancier tools. It was three elements that I’ve discovered are absolutely essential for innovation: connection, communication, and creativity.
This mirrors what I see in tech organizations every day. When teams are disconnected, innovation doesn’t just slow down – it dies. And the cost is staggering.
Consider this: A disconnected workplace costs companies around $25,000 per employee annually in errors and miscommunications. For a tech company with 5,000 employees, that’s like throwing $125 million out the window every year!
But here’s what really gets me: According to recent studies, when employees collaborate effectively, they work 15% faster, 73% produce better work, and 60% are more innovative. That’s not just data – I’ve seen this transformation firsthand.
Let me show you how this works through my Create the Impossible™ framework:
1. Play Hard
At every meeting of my rapidly growing group, I start with what might seem counterintuitive: play. We do connection activities that spark laughter and break down barriers.
Why? Because play creates psychological safety – the foundation for both trust and innovation.
In tech teams, this might look different, but the principle is the same. When was the last time your team felt safe enough to share a “crazy” idea? That’s where breakthrough innovation begins.
2. Make Crap
Here’s where it gets interesting. In our organizing work, we didn’t wait until we had perfect plans. We jumped in and tried things.
The event that drew over 900 people? Our sound system was probably fine for the 200 we thought might show, but it was woefully inadequate for that size crowd. Now we know what we need next time!
As always, some plans work brilliantly; others flop. But each attempt teaches us something valuable.
Sound familiar, tech leaders? It’s the same principle behind rapid prototyping and agile development. The teams that innovate fastest are often the ones most willing to share imperfect work.
3. Learn Fast
It’s true the event this week wasn’t perfect. But because we had built strong connections and open communication channels, we could adapt quickly when things went sideways.
This is exactly what innovative tech teams need – the ability to pivot and learn rapidly, supported by strong team connections.
The data backs this up: With only 33% of employees truly engaged at work, costing American companies about $1.9 trillion in lost productivity, we can’t afford to ignore team connection.
So what can you do about this? Here are three practical strategies I’ve seen work in both grassroots organizing and tech companies:
1. Connection before (or through) content
Start meetings with connection, not content. Take five minutes for a quick connection activity. It might feel like “wasting time,” but remember – disconnected teams waste far more time through miscommunication and disengagement.
Or, if you’re skilled, you can actually bring content in through the connection activities. Connection is actually one of the best ways to deliver content.
This is actually one of my superpowers, so if that feels beyond you, schedule an Innovation Strategy Session with me, and let’s talk about how I can help you with that.
2. Create “idea zones”
Designate specific times where nothing is too wild to suggest. Frame these as playful explorations rather than serious brainstorming sessions. Because we want people feeling as free and easy to take risks here as possible!
3. Build cross-functional bridges
Just as my organizing work brought together people from diverse backgrounds, your innovation potential multiplies when you connect people across different departments and specialties.
Remember: Innovation doesn’t die from lack of good ideas. It dies from lack of connection.
Here’s your challenge for this week:
Look at your team’s calendar. How much time is dedicated to real connection? Not status updates or project reviews, but actual human-to-human connection?
Maybe it’s time to experiment. Try dedicating the first five minutes of every meeting to connection activities. Watch what happens to team dynamics, communication, and yes – innovation.
Stay curious, stay playful, and keep creating the impossible!
I’d love to hear from you. What’s one way you’ve seen connection transform team innovation? Click here to share your story!
Senior Leaders: Ready to transform your team’s connection and unlock their full innovative potential? Let’s explore how the Create the Impossible™ framework can revolutionize your team dynamics. Book your complimentary Innovation Strategy Session here.
