In a time when headlines often focus on AI replacing workers and government agencies cutting staff, it’s easy to lose sight of a fundamental truth: your employees are your greatest asset. But some leaders do understand this, and they’re reaping the rewards. One such leader is Steve Preston, former Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration and current CEO of Goodwill Industries International.
Throughout his career in both the public and private sectors, Steve Preston has consistently championed the power of employee-powered innovation. He’s seen firsthand what can happen when leaders trust their people, value their insights, and create systems that allow them to contribute their best.
That’s why I’m so honored that Steve agreed to write the Foreword to my new book, Ideas to Action: Unlock your organization’s hidden genius for igniting innovation and accelerating results. In his Foreword, he shares his unique perspective on why a “leap of faith” in your workforce is essential for success in today’s rapidly changing world.
Here are a few key insights from Steve Preston’s Foreword:
On the Untapped Potential Within Organizations
“I believe the most valuable insights and ideas often reside within the organization itself, among its employees. By inviting employees to the table, asking the right questions, and truly listening, leaders can tap into this wealth of knowledge and experience.
This is especially true when organizations are underperforming. Employees on the frontline hear customer feedback, experience the realities of working with new technologies, and find workarounds for broken processes. They know what “better” looks like, and they’ll reveal this information to you if you know how to ask for it.”
Steve makes it clear from the outset that he sees employees as the source of innovation, not a cost to be minimized. This is a direct challenge to the prevailing narratives about automation and efficiency.
On the Limitations of Top-Down Approaches
“Effectively engaging a team isn’t about top-down directives or suggestion boxes. The real magic happens when team members collaborate, share their perspectives, challenge each other, and overcome obstacles to create solutions.”
Steve readily acknowledges that traditional methods often fall short. True engagement, he argues, comes from collaboration and empowering effective action, not from simply soliciting ideas from a passive workforce.
On the Transformative Power of Ownership
“When employees see their ideas validated, their designs implemented, and the resulting positive change, a profound shift occurs in their mindset. A sense of ownership and pride emerges, leading to increased engagement, productivity, and a renewed commitment to the mission.”
Steve understands the emotional impact of when employees are effectively empowered. It’s not just about generating ideas; it’s about creating a sense of ownership and pride that drives engagement and commitment.
On the Importance of Action and Results
“This approach isn’t only about ideas; it’s about action. The Ideas-to-Action Process, developed by Rick and his team, was embraced by my leadership teams and became an invaluable component of our transformation strategies, harnessing the collective genius of our workforce to produce measurable results in rapid time frames.”
Steve generously credits our Ideas-to-Action Process for its focus on results. It’s about creating a system that turns employee insights into tangible improvements.
These are just a few examples of the powerful insights Steve Preston shares in his Foreword. His experience, both at the SBA and in the private sector, provides a compelling testament to the power of employee-powered innovation.
It’s time to challenge the narrative that frontline workers are expendable or inefficient. It’s time to recognize their untapped potential and take the leap of faith required to unleash it.
Are you ready to make that leap?
Learn more about Ideas to Action and pre-order your copy today!
