Solving the People Challenge in Innovation

 

Despite substantial focus on innovation, most leaders lack evidence-based frameworks for navigating the intense emotional dynamics that can make or break innovative efforts. My research aims to bridge this gap by testing the hypothesis that understanding, measuring, and actively working with the unique emotional patterns of innovation leads to more sustainable professional and personal outcomes. (ResearchGate).

 

Pinpointing the Behaviours that Drive Results

In 2021, I published the Innovation Leadership Map (ILM) based on socio-analytic research at INSEAD, creating a psychometric model that identifies six key behavioural drivers shaping innovation outcomes. This model bridges behavioural and technical demands faced by innovation leaders and has been empirically validated with over 500 executives across sectors.

 

Mastering Emotional Dynamics for Innovation Success

In 2025, I shared clinical program results: in real-world settings, leaders used ILM to illuminate the range and effects of their emotional responses, identifying both helpful and hindering patterns. This research introduced the concept of "emotional gearing," a new mechanism by which leaders regulate emotion for optimal innovation performance.

 

Turning Insight Into Higher-Performing Innovators

My ultimate goal is to demystify high-pressure leadership—helping executives perform under the demands of innovation, much as elite sport psychology has advanced Olympic-level performance.

 

Partner With Evidence-Based Innovation Research

For a research debrief or to propose collaboration, please contact me directly. For ongoing insights, subscribe to my "Connecting Dots" newsletter.

 

Actionable Tools for Leading Innovation

  • Innovation Leadership Map: A psychometric framework for diagnosing and developing leadership mindsets and behaviours essential for innovation. 

  • Comparative Analysis: A Structured reflection tool to illuminate behavioural response patterns.

  • Innovation Leadership Mirror: Method for surfacing subconscious strengths and leadership imprints to build a personal innovation playbook.

  • Emotional Gearing: A practical method enabling leaders to regulate emotional dynamics for better innovation outcomes intentionally. 



Contact Me: info@brettmacfarlane.com