Innovation and Creative Strategic Thinking
Background and Objective
RNID (Royal National Institute for Deaf People) is a national charity dedicated to supporting individuals who are deaf, have hearing loss, or experience tinnitus. To strengthen its forward-thinking and inclusive approach, RNID has partnered with Impact Factory to launch the Innovation and Creative Strategic Thinking Programme.
This initiative aims to cultivate a culture of innovation within the organisation. It also aims to enhance the creative strategic thinking skills of its staff. The programme specifically emphasises the integration of innovation and strategic thinking into RNID’s organisational culture.
The programme aimed to:
- Equip managers and leaders with the mindset, tools, and behaviours to drive innovation.
- Foster psychological safety and experimentation across teams as a core part of the Innovation and Creative Strategic Thinking Programme.
- Build an internal cohort of facilitators to sustain and embed the learning across the wider organisation.
RNID sought a tailored programme that not only energised individuals to think differently but also supported tangible outcomes. These outcomes include strategic ideas, new ways of collaborating, and practical tools to share organisation-wide. Such outcomes are integral to the Innovation and Creative Strategic Thinking Programme, emphasising strategic innovation.
Key Content
Days 1 & 2 – Innovation Mindset and Collaboration
Participants explored the conditions required for innovation, including psychological safety and the distinction between stretch and panic zones. Using improvisation tools, they practised saying “Yes, And”, embracing failure, and building on ideas collaboratively. Real-time exercises helped shift thinking and establish trust across the group. This foundation is essential to the Innovation and Creative Strategic Thinking Programme.
Day 3 – Creative Strategy and Decision Making
Delegates applied models such as Design Thinking, Six Hats, SWOT, and PESTLE to address current RNID challenges. A structured idea-development process was used to generate creative strategies for Deaf Awareness Week. It included feedback loops and collaborative prioritisation techniques. These activities play a crucial role in the Innovation and Creative Strategic Thinking Programme.
Day 4 – Influence and Pitching
This session focused on influencing upwards and presenting innovative ideas persuasively. Participants explored Aristotle’s 5-step persuasive model, the Iceberg model for emotional connection, and the PREP framework to structure their message and address challenges.
Train the Trainer Programme (4 Half-Days)
The second phase prepared internal advocates to cascade the learning. Sessions focused on:
- Building confidence in delivery
- Structuring and adapting content
- Using coaching techniques
- Receiving feedback on live facilitation practice
Desired Outcomes
- Develop an internal culture of creativity and experimentation through the essential elements of the Innovation and Creative Strategic Thinking Programme.
- Build confidence in presenting and implementing innovative ideas
- Establish a consistent toolkit and shared language for innovation
- Enable an internal team to deliver and embed content across RNID
See What We Can Do For You
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What an absolute delight it was to work with this group. As trainers, we were genuinely inspired by your enthusiasm, the way you supported one another, your humour, energy, and your openness to try new things.
It was a pleasure to guide you through the five-module journey, and we truly hope the content proved valuable and thought-provoking.
You covered a lot – and did so with curiosity and commitment.
