What it really takes to sustain change after the launch party ends
In another article, I explored how innovation starts with a leadership mindset grounded in purpose, not novelty. In this second part, we’ll move from idea to implementation—focusing on how leaders turn concepts into sustainable solutions…and then results.
Too often, promising ideas fail—not because they’re bad ideas, but because we don’t verify their viability before investing in larger-scale implementation. That’s where the Proof-of-Concept (PoC) approach becomes essential. A PoC isn’t just a time-bound pilot. It’s a structured process to validate assumptions and adjust the solution in real time.
Consider:
- What assumptions are you making about your innovative solution?
- How will you measure its effectiveness—strategically, financially, and operationally (including clinically for those in health and human services)?
- Are you using metrics that truly reflect whether you’re making a difference?
This emphasis on validation helps leaders avoid the trap of “innovation theater”—where solutions look good on the surface but lack substance underneath. Instead, I urge you to go deeper to state the case. Delineate how the solution aligns with your strategic priorities, supports the financial model, and improves the customer (clinical) experience.
But building a good solution isn’t enough. Deployment and sustainability are where leadership truly shows up! And yet, these are the phases where mediocre leaders often move on to the next (big) thing.
Rolling out innovation requires skillful project management and intentional change management. Even the best-designed solution will fail if it doesn’t win the hearts and minds of those who need to implement it.
That’s why I focus on the Prosci ADKAR© framework when designing changes, both big or small. Each ADKAR dimension needs thoughtful planning: building Awareness, creating Desire, supplying Knowledge, training for Ability, and providing Reinforcement.
Finally, you are less likely to sustain the innovative service, process, or idea if you don’t measure it. Sustainable innovation depends on seeing impact, ensuring continuous improvement, and creating the capability to adapt it.
Innovation isn’t finished until it’s working. That is your role as a leader in sustaining change!
Leadership means ensuring the systems are in place to support the new solution long after the launch date.
So, ask yourself:
- What promising solution needs to be more fully delineated and then validated?
- Who needs to be enrolled in the change?
- What will you measure to prove the impact?
Innovation isn’t just about new ideas—it’s about new results.
And results are what leaders like you deliver…with your terrific teams!
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Kathy Letendre, President and Founder of Letendre & Associates, advises organizations and leaders to create their excellence advantage.
Contact Kathy by phone or text at 802-779-4315 or via email.