Holistic innovation and strategy work - The 360° Innonautic scan
- Dr. Babette Sonntag
- Apr 14
- 5 min read
How can you best utilize your strengths? How can you ensure you've considered everything important? Who should you involve, and how? Where can you positively influence your environment in the project's favor? Which methods suit you best to achieve optimal results? Holistic innovation and strategy development – how does that work?
Are these questions on your mind? Then you're not alone. Many of my acquaintances, just like me, think about them all the time. I've read books on the subject, attended seminars, listened to a lot of advice – but much of it didn't help me. I understood the ideas, but I couldn't implement them without a lot of effort.
Why so many self-help books don't work
I've come to understand that the focus must be on my own personality. Only if tips and approaches align with my values and character can I use them effectively. Otherwise, the process feels tedious and exhausting.
At the same time, I've observed that innovation and strategy managers (myself included…) tend to focus under stress on the areas most directly related to operational work, such as the use of the most efficient project management methods. Very often, only the immediately visible, operational aspects are considered, while more distant but equally important – and perhaps simpler – success factors are neglected. These can include, for example, change management or building support networks, etc.
Successful innovation management and effective strategy development are the sum of many different aspects that require a holistic perspective. The more impactful the chosen aspects are for your specific situation and the better the methods employed align with your personality, the more effective you can be without burning yourself out.
Therefore, I developed the 360° Innonautic Scan, at the core of which is a comprehensive scan of the entire operational environment in the company and the derivation of personality-centered measures.
For managers and companies – for you – I offer tailored consulting services. Learn more: The Innonaut | Services
The 360° Innonautic scan...
...ensures that all relevant influencing factors are truly included in innovation and strategy processes and serves as a tool for my holistic, personality-centered consulting .
In my consulting work, I place great emphasis on finding the right approach for each area. Generalizations are unhelpful and out of place. Therefore, I work with a questionnaire for each area (each dimension) of the scan to systematically examine each section.
I would like to present the framework of my consulting and coaching concept:
The four central dimensions of the 360° Innonautic scan
guide
Consideration of processes and structures within the organization: Successful innovation occurs when existing structures are not viewed as immutable obstacles. Can processes be adapted? Or can the organization's own approach be adjusted to circumvent obstacles?
Alignment with the overarching corporate goal: Innovation and strategy projects must always be in line with the corporate vision and long-term business goals; otherwise, there is a risk that resources will be used inefficiently and no acceptance will be achieved.
organization
Influence of corporate culture: An innovation-friendly culture is essential for new ideas to flourish. This includes openness to change, a tolerance for mistakes, and a willingness to experiment. How can this be influenced, or what niches can we find?
Aspects of change management: Every change brings resistance. A well-thought-out, coherent change management approach fosters greater acceptance by involving employees early on and making changes comprehensible. It's not just about transparency regarding the facts, but also transparency regarding the process.
visibility
Collaboration with internal and external supporters: Networks within and outside the company are crucial for success. Cooperation and exchange with experts, customers, innovation networks, and supporters can provide valuable impetus and help overcome organizational and personal bottlenecks. How can extroverted or introverted people successfully build networks?
Creating visibility for your project: A convincing strategy or innovation needs internal and external visibility. This can be achieved through targeted communication, storytelling, and clear positioning.
Tools
Sources of inspiration and strength for individual managers: Leaders and innovation managers must continuously develop and motivate themselves. Sources of inspiration can include exchange formats, thought-provoking ideas, coaching, or periods of personal reflection. The key is to find the formats that suit one's personality.
A toolkit of methods for innovation and strategy: Different challenges and different personalities require different methods. A well-stocked toolbox of standard tools is often insufficient on its own. Most of the time, the methods aren't used strictly according to the rules anyway. It's better to find the methods that appeal to you and then adapt them to your personality.
The unique feature of the scan: integration of Asian and especially Japanese innovation approaches.
My expertise and experience with Japanese (business) culture enable me to integrate specifically Japanese approaches and models for feedback, opinion formation, and networking, allowing me to think outside the box. The instructive values of Shinto, Kaizen, and Japanese organizational principles provide valuable insights for strategy and innovation.
Examples I consider are:
Kaizen : Small, continuous improvements for sustainable success
Nemawashi : the Japanese step-by-step, informal voting process
Keiretsu : Long-term, close relationships between companies and partners can help to sustainably secure innovation projects.
Shu-Ha-Ri: A three-stage learning model from Japanese martial arts, from imitation to adaptation to mastery.
Hoshin Kanri: A structured method for strategic goal setting and implementation that clearly aligns long-term innovation projects.
How the 360° Innonautic scan works in practical application
As part of my consulting and coaching services, I have created a structured analysis tool to identify personality-specific preferences and optimization potential in ongoing or planned innovation and strategy work.
To this end, we work systematically and thoroughly with targeted questions from a We go through a questionnaire for each dimension of the scan tool , analyze the environment and perspectives, and discuss solutions and ideas that are appropriate for the personality.
The 360° Innonautic scan in 4 bullet points
Holistic approach : While many existing approaches focus on individual areas such as agile methods, design thinking, or change management, my model systematically avoids blind spots and ensures seamless integration. The scan covers leadership, organization, visibility, and tools to guarantee sustainable innovation and strategy work.
Personality at the center : The successful implementation of tips and strategies requires that they align with the individual's own values and character in order to be authentic and effective.
Integration of Japanese approaches : Japanese innovation approaches such as Kaizen, Nemawashi and Hoshin Kanri are integrated to develop suitable procedures for the respective projects beyond the beaten path.
Questionnaire for each dimension : Through a structured analysis of the environment and personal preferences in each dimension using a systemic questionnaire, concrete action options are derived.
➡️ A summary of the "360° Innonauts Scan for Busy People" can be found in the download area: DOWNLOADS
Who is my method suitable for?
Definitely for managers with and without leadership responsibilities who are looking for ways to effectively implement innovation and strategy projects that suit their own personality.
For companies that want to holistically advance the development of their organization and implement concepts for strategy and innovation efficiently and in a focused manner.
➡️ More information about my coaching and consulting services: SERVICE
Interested? Simply get in touch directly via the contact form on the website...
Please note: This text is translated into English by using Google Translate - I apologize for any mistakes in this text I may have overlooked.
Dr. Babette Sonntag is an innovation manager, keynote speaker, and The Innonaut. She helps managers in medium-sized businesses who want to initiate something new but are stuck, using Japanese spirit as a boost. 👉 dieinnonautin.de | LinkedIn
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