Innovation
What does innovation mean at the University?
Adrian Gonzalez discusses the importance of innovation as part of his work at the University.
As a colleague
I am flexible, adapting to change and being open to new ideas. I am curious and creative, constantly improving the way we do things.
I am successful when...
• I adapt to changing circumstances and needs
• I am receptive to new ideas, embracing new approaches and technology
• I look for new and creative ways to solve problems
• I am curious, actively searching for more effective ways to do things
• I recognise when I need to accept and manage a degree of risk
When leading people
I question conventional thinking and develop new ideas. I see where change is needed, developing myself and the University to meet the challenges of the future.
I am successful when...
• I know my own strengths and development needs, and am keen to learn and develop further
• I challenge less effective ways of working, putting forward creative new ideas and improvements
• I encourage others to put forward ideas and be open to new methods and innovative thinking
• I engage with new and unexpected tasks, adapting my approach
When leading the organisation
I am flexible and agile in my thinking, championing creativity and new ideas. I take well-judged risks to learn and make progress.
I am successful when...
• I am imaginative, thinking beyond current constraints
• I encourage creativity, providing practical support for innovation and championing new ideas
• I accept uncertainty, taking well-judged risks and supporting those who do so even if things do not work out
• I create a culture of continuous learning, where we keep developing ourselves
• I make agile decisions, recognising when things are not working and rethinking what is needed
To me, innovation means being a role model, introducing, developing, and implementing new ideas to provide valuable and novel solutions in an ever-changing environment. This encourages me and the staff community to view innovation as a source of productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. We are not just responsible but empowered to be open-minded and objective about new ideas and embrace them to sustain innovation. I am keen to develop further and create a culture where others are empowered to put forward ideas!
Devi Nannen - Senior Lecturer, Health Sciences
Next steps
If you’re keen to develop in this area, you can explore a wide range of opportunities available to you at the University on the Learning Management System (LMS). Here are some suggestions to take a look at:
- Open programme: Problem solving
- Self-led development (web pages): Change management
