“Innovation” is one of those words that get thrown around a lot, especially in executive career marketing documents like CEO resumes, value proposition letters, LinkedIn profiles, and executive biographies. Workplaces that value innovation and creativity benefit from stronger teams, high employee engagement, morale, and retention rates, and expedited problem-solving and agility. It’s no wonder that organizations are on the lookout for innovative CEOs, COOs, CDOs, CFOs, CMOs, CIOs, CTOs, and other CxO executives who can place them at the forefront of creative success.
Innovation does not happen without creativity. Creativity is the ability to come up with new ideas and unleash the power of the mind. Innovation is about bringing change into existing stable systems. To tap into your innovative capabilities, you need to cultivate your creativity.
So, how can you inspire creativity in yourself? A study by Frontiers in Psychology* specifies the importance of “serious leisure,” defined as “the goal-oriented pursuit of a non-work passion.” Business leaders can use leisure activity as a primary tool to:
- manage stress,
- achieve better work-life balance,
- enhance their identity (remind them that their self-worth isn’t solely dependent on professional achievements),
- build perseverance,
- gain a sense of freedom,
- relax and focus, and
- develop leadership skills.
Ultimately, all the above contribute to functioning better in a CXO role. Stepping away to focus on something else creates space for thoughts and ideas, maybe an important topic for an upcoming business meeting or an alternative solution to a work-related problem.
Now, take it one step further and demonstrate innovation in your CEO resume
Answer These 3 Questions to Demonstrate Innovation on an Executive Resume
- What measurable change have you introduced to your organization?
- What organizational need have you identified and rectified that was previously unmet or unrecognized?
- What technique do you use when faced with a problem to generate and develop solutions?
To find out how we can help highlight innovation in your CEO resume, book a complimentary and confidential call with us here.
* “‘Grace Under Pressure’: How CEOs Use Serious Leisure to Cope With the Demands of Their Job,” Frontiers in Psychology
