Innovation: A firm vision with a loose grip

As executives, consultants, and creatives, we often face the tension between holding our ground and adapting to change. Leaders who inspire trust and innovation do both: they stand firm in their principles but remain open to transformation. This duality is not weakness—it’s where progress happens.

1. Firm Vision: Clarity, not rigidity.

Successful leadership begins with a clear, purpose-driven vision. Take Satya Nadella at Microsoft: his steadfast commitment to a “growth mindset” culture reframed Microsoft’s identity. That firm vision enabled him to steer a $2 trillion company while making bold pivots, like embracing open-source innovation.

2. Loose Grip: Openness, not indecision.

Innovation dies when leaders cling to their vision without flexibility. At Netflix, Reed Hastings famously shifted from DVDs to streaming, and later, from no ads to an ad-supported model. A rigid grip on the past would have stalled growth; a loose grip enabled reinvention while staying true to Netflix’s core: delivering exceptional entertainment.

3. Leading dynamic teams: Change positions to stay ahead.

I’ve seen this balance play out in my own work—whether partnering with cultural leaders, advising media giants, or fostering creative entrepreneurship. In leading visioning sessions, I remind executives: “Commit to your values, but don’t mistake tactics for principles.” The teams that thrive are those willing to change positions strategically, adapting to emerging insights and new conditions without losing their core identity.

Here are 3 guiding questions for leaders today:

• Is your vision clear enough to inspire action?

• Is your grip loose enough to embrace unexpected solutions?

• Are you fostering debate, or stifling it by clinging to “the middle”?

Let’s open the floor: Where have you seen “firm vision and loose grip” play out successfully in leadership or innovation? How do you personally navigate clarity and adaptability in your work?