Work Matters S4E10: Greg Larkin - Overcoming Obstructionism

WorkMatters

In today's Work Matters, Thomas talks innovation with Greg Larkin, the CEO of Punks & Pinstripes, a network for rebel corporate executives and start up founders. He is the author of the international best-seller ‘This Might Get Me Fired' and shares his expertise for overcoming organizational obstructionism to drive innovation.

Greg unpacks the great misnomer about innovation requiring advanced technology and shares how understanding organizational psychology and obstructionism are more essential to success. Through examples of both a winning and losing launch, he illustrates that an executive willing to ask the right questions and tell hard truths is the make-or-break ingredient.

Revealing that most innovations don't cross the finish line, Greg describes the five types of obstructionists in each company (skeptics, cops, traditionalists, territorialists, and capitalists) and provides strategies for overcoming each. He explains how, just like in sports, the key success factor is being able to see your opponent's moves in advance and call the best play in response.

Greg confides that most CEOs hate the obstructionism in their organizations and advises how to best target innovation to overcome decline and keep up with competitors. He adds that leaders must be willing to have difficult conversations with investors about near-future losses while innovating for long-haul gains.

The conversation concludes with Greg sharing how his hierarchy for work requirements has inverted with experience and why this led him to start Punks & Pinstripes. Now in his forties, he has created a community for other rebel executives to find their tribe, make an impact, and achieve status and success - in that order.

Greg's Website and Book Info: https://www.thisisgreglarkin.com

Punks & Pinstripes Website: https://www.punksandpinstripes.com