Not every CEO can be the next Steve Jobs, constantly conjuring up game-changing new ideas and revolutionary products. But what all CEOs and senior leaders can be are champions for innovation within their own organizations. They are the ones who can help give their employees the freedom and space to get creative, while also setting the boundaries within which this innovation can take place.

Kari Kauniskangas, the former CEO of Finnish lifestyle brand Fiskars, described his approach to the challenge of embedding innovation in his organization this way: “It’s important for me to make sure our people have the desire, will, and freedom to find better ways of doing business. In search of new ideas, we have to give them permission to go crazy! But we also have to create boxes that define their focus and challenge people to innovate in the areas of greatest need.”

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