School Counseling

Luann Burrows, Upper School Counselor

What comes to mind when you think of the word innovation? Is it a mobile phone, the internet, a robot, or an electric car? Innovation is essential for leaders, teams, and organizations, as well as interpersonal relationships. Even though the word innovation is a hot topic, it is not something new. Not at all. Innovation is the transformation and improvement process from one thing to another, developing new ideas that change or improve a process. It's all around us, and we have been good at developing new ideas, such as fire, the wheel, steam, electricity, solar and space travel.

Most people do not link interpersonal skills with innovation. But think about it; interpersonal skills can lead to the development of an innovative skill set. By developing these skills, you can improve your ability to think and create change in your future career and personal life.

Creativity can be one of the most essential skills for developing an innovative mindset. This skill refers to our ability to create and think of original or unique ideas. Creativity can help you view topics from multiple perspectives and consider unique problem-solving approaches.

Problem-solving is another innovative skill. Problem-solving is a foundational skill that can assist in developing other skills, such as teamwork, communication, confidence, and risk identification.

Communication is an innovative skill of vital importance related to your ability to absorb information, discuss topics with others and provide clear instructions. This is an important skill, as innovation often involves teamwork and collaboration.

Identifying risk and determining its consequences is a complementary skill for critical thinking, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship. If you can identify risks and their consequences, you can create plans and processes to lessen or remove them.

Suppose something is holding your child back from acquiring innovative skills and mindset. In that case, they may be using a limiting thought pattern, often referred to by psychologists as black-andwhite thinking. This leads people to think in absolute terms, such as good or bad, right or wrong, always or never, etc. Black-and-white thinking does not allow us to find the middle ground. Thinking less rigidly will enable us to stop using all-or-nothing statements.

Problem-solving, risk-taking, communication, and creativity are essential to prepare students to be innovators. Nurturing these skill sets in school with students and at home with your children through an innovation-friendly culture and skill-enhancing activities will create a foundation for future success.