Mid-Level Managers Drive Inclusive Innovation

Marketing Deep Dives by Denyse

The discussion argues that inclusive innovation is a system, not a department, and that many organizations are hindered by overlooking their mid-level managers. These managers should be appreciated as crucial for translating strategy into action and for possessing vital insights from both the C-suite and the front lines. Excluding them from innovation processes leads to stalled initiatives, lost insights, and leadership drain. True inclusive innovation involves not only who is within the company but also innovating for and with consumers, with mid-level managers playing a key role due to their proximity to both. In conclusion the discussion suggests that changing this requires a mindset shift, structural adjustments, and cultural reinforcement to include and value the perspectives of mid-level leadership.