Take Climbing the innovation ladder from exercise to real work in Business Acumen.
A realistic scenario
You're mid-project and the situation calls for climbing the innovation ladder. It's easier to keep moving on autopilot — that's exactly the moment to apply it on purpose.
Walk it through
1. Pause and read the room. Decide that climbing the innovation ladder is the right move right now. 2. Set the bar. Out loud or in writing, state the outcome you're aiming for. 3. Execute the rep. Move one project from realized to systemic value. 4. Make it visible. Share what you did and why, so the value is seen — not just done. 5. Reflect. Capture what worked so it becomes a default next time.
Avoid the common trap
⚠ Treating "the business" as someone else's problem. Watch for it, and course-correct early.
Level up
- Do it when nobody asked you to.
- Teach it to a teammate — explaining it cements it.
- Stack it with the other skills in Business Acumen.
You've completed the Climbing the innovation ladder track. Put it to the test with a real-world challenge.