Breakthrough Research: Why Smart Innovation Leaders Fail
The Question That Changed Everything
Why do smart, well-resourced innovation leaders fail—and more importantly, how can we predict and prevent it?
This question drove Brett's groundbreaking research at INSEAD, which uncovered the hidden patterns that separate successful innovation leaders from those who struggle despite having every advantage (ResearchGate).
The Innovation Leadership Map: A New Framework for Success
Research-Backed Insights That Transform Results
Brett's peer-reviewed research, published in 2021 and recognized for its breakthrough contribution to leadership, innovation, and systems psychodynamics, revealed a crucial truth: innovation leadership is equally technical and social.
The research identified six critical drivers that determine whether innovation initiatives succeed or fail—drivers that most leaders can't see but consistently influence outcomes.
From Research to Real-World Results
This research became The Innovation Leadership Map (ILM)—a psychometric methodology that:
✓ Predicts innovation success by evaluating the unconscious patterns that drive leadership behaviour
✓ Identifies blind spots that derail even the most talented leaders
✓ Provides actionable frameworks for navigating organizational resistance and building innovation tolerance
✓ Accelerates development by addressing root causes rather than just symptoms
The result: Leaders who use ILM consistently achieve better innovation outcomes with less personal and professional cost.
Key Research Findings
The Boundary of Innovation Tolerance
Organizations have an invisible threshold for how much innovation they can absorb. Leaders who understand and navigate this boundary achieve breakthrough results. Those who don't face predictable resistance, regardless of their idea's merit.
The Six Drivers Framework
The research revealed six behavioural and emotional drivers that determine the success of innovation leadership. These drivers operate both consciously and unconsciously, creating patterns that either accelerate or sabotage innovation initiatives.
Technical + Social = Success
The most significant finding: treating innovation as purely technical work is a recipe for failure. The leaders who consistently succeed integrate social dynamics into their approach from day one.
Applications for Your Organization
This research translates into immediate value for:
Leadership Teams: Assess your innovation readiness and identify the development investments that will yield the highest returns
Innovation Initiatives: Predict and prevent the organizational dynamics that typically derail breakthrough projects
Talent Development: Accelerate the development of high-potential leaders by addressing the unconscious patterns that limit their effectiveness
Organizational Culture: Build sustainable innovation capabilities by understanding and working with your culture's innovation tolerance
Bring These Insights to Your Organization
Speaking Engagements
Brett presents these research findings to leadership teams, innovation conferences, and executive programs worldwide. His presentations translate complex research into actionable insights that leaders can implement immediately.
Research Briefings
Get a customized briefing on how these findings apply to your specific organizational challenges and innovation goals.
Applied Implementation
Work directly with Brett to integrate The Innovation Leadership Map methodology into your leadership development programs, management meetings and innovation processes.
Contact Brett: brett@brettmacfarlane.com