In a world defined by rapid technological change and evolving consumer demands, innovation is no longer an option but a strategic imperative for sustained competitive advantage. This training course is meticulously designed to equip leaders with the mindset and practical tools to foster a culture of creativity, drive disruptive change, and transform ideas into market-leading products and services. We will move beyond a focus on incremental improvements to a hands-on approach, exploring how to build and lead innovation ecosystems, manage risk, and align an entire organization behind a clear, forward-looking vision. This program is an essential resource for professionals who are committed to pioneering the future of their industry.

This intensive five-day program delves into the intricate process of innovation leadership, from the initial spark of an idea to its successful commercialization and scale. Participants will gain deep insights into the psychology of creativity, the science of strategic foresight, and the leadership required to manage ambiguity and embrace experimentation. Through a combination of interactive case studies, expert-led discussions, and practical exercises, attendees will develop the skills to design and implement a robust innovation strategy. By the end of this course, you will be equipped to act as a catalyst for change, building a resilient and dynamic organization that can outmaneuver the competition and shape its own destiny.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• CEOs and executive directors
• Chief Innovation Officers
• Heads of Research and Development
• Strategic planners and policy advisors
• High-potential future leaders
• Product and project managers
• Entrepreneurs and business owners
• Board members and corporate secretaries
• Human resources and talent management leaders
• Management consultants

Objectives:

• Grasp the core principles of innovation leadership and its link to competitive advantage
• Formulate a compelling vision for innovation and communicate it effectively
• Develop a framework for fostering a culture of creativity and experimentation
• Analyze and interpret disruptive trends and their strategic implications
• Lead a team through the process of idea generation and execution
• Assess and mitigate the risks associated with innovation
• Interpret key performance indicators to measure innovation success
• Apply lessons from global case studies to inform innovation strategy
• Build a personal action plan for enhancing your innovation leadership skills

Course Modules:

Module 1: The Foundations of Innovation Leadership

• The distinction between innovation and invention
• The role of a leader in setting the innovation culture
• The importance of a clear and compelling innovation vision
• Understanding the innovation value chain
• The impact of a well-defined innovation strategy on performance

Module 2: Fostering a Culture of Creativity

• The psychological principles of creativity and innovation
• The role of a leader in creating an environment for new ideas
• The importance of psychological safety and a test-and-learn approach
• Managing resistance to change and new ideas
• The role of diversity and inclusion in driving creativity

Module 3: Strategic Foresight and Idea Generation

• The methodology of strategic foresight and trend analysis
• Using frameworks like scenario planning
• The process of brainstorming and idea generation
• Developing an innovation portfolio
• The importance of a continuous learning mindset

Module 4: The Innovation Process

• The stages of the innovation lifecycle (e.g., ideation, development, launch)
• The role of a lean and agile approach
• The importance of rapid prototyping and customer feedback
• Managing an innovation pipeline
• The challenges of scaling and commercializing new ideas

Module 5: Leading Innovation Teams

• The characteristics of a high-performing innovation team
• The role of a leader in building and empowering these teams
• Managing a diverse and multi-disciplinary team
• The importance of a clear and consistent communication style
• Fostering a culture of accountability and ownership

Module 6: Disruptive Technologies and Business Models

• The strategic implications of disruptive technologies
• The role of a leader in identifying and adopting new technologies
• The importance of a leader in managing technology-driven change
• Developing new business models
• The impact of new technologies on competitive advantage

Module 7: Innovation Metrics and Performance

• The principles of measuring innovation success
• Using key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress
• The role of a dashboard for innovation oversight
• The importance of a regular review and feedback loop
• Linking innovation performance to compensation and incentives

Module 8: Managing Risk and Failure

• The distinction between strategic and operational risk
• The role of a leader in managing innovation risks
• The importance of a blame-free culture for learning from failure
• Developing a framework for risk mitigation
• The role of a leader in communicating a setback

Module 9: The Leader's Role in Driving Innovation

• The importance of a leader as a strategic architect
• The role of a leader in communicating and inspiring
• The need for continuous learning and adaptation
• Building a strong innovation team
• A strategic roadmap for your leadership journey

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.