UI Foundation/UI Advancement Weekly Update 04.28.22
Dear Team:
At the University of Illinois, we have a long history of being innovators, so it makes sense that inspiring innovation is one of our Development Program core values. You probably know that innovation means something new – a new idea, a new method, a new way of doing something. But exactly how to inspire innovation in our advancement work may not be as clear.
Thanks to our Culture Code, we have some practical steps to take for inspiring innovation.
- First, we should ask, explore and challenge. It may seem easier to maintain the status quo, but maybe there are new ways of doing our work that will make us more efficient. And maybe there aren’t, but we won’t know if we don’t ask or try.
- Second, all our departments should carve out time for creativity by encouraging team members to think outside the box and giving them the support needed to investigate new ideas.
- Third, never hesitate to be bold. Step outside your comfort zone, try something different and play to win instead of playing not to lose.
- Finally, include diverse perspectives in your explorations—the more viewpoints brought to the discussion, the more optimal the results. Two plus two equals four, but so does three plus one. New perspectives enhance innovative thought.
The Foundation’s UIDEA accelerator has a detailed plan for creating innovation at the University of Illinois, but innovative ideas can take any shape or form. Be fearless in experimenting with what’s possible, so we can transform advancement at Illinois and be a leader in transforming the industry. By the way, if you missed Demo Day earlier this week, visit the UIDEA website to see what some of your colleagues are up to and how they are inspiring innovation in our industry.
Thank you for everything you are doing to incorporate our Culture Code into your daily work. Your efforts are greatly appreciated! Have a great weekend and if you are looking for a good book on today’s topic, check out Adam Grant’s “Think Again.”
Best,
Jim