Overcoming Barriers to Innovation

Innovation BarrierIn a recent article, I identified several road blocks to innovation. Unfortunately, I have seen these road blocks stop the development of innovative ideas at many companies. Some of the brightest and most talented business leaders have crashed head-first into these road blocks.

I don’t want to see you make the same mistake. To help you avoid these barriers, I discuss several ways to overcome these road blocks and successfully apply innovation in your business.

1. Stuck in a Rut – Human beings love habit.  We love staying on an existing path and sticking to what’s familiar.  But, innovation in business is all about breaking habits and changing perspectives.  You may have had a success before that you’d like to duplicate.  There’s always an impulse to do the same things repeatedly.  But when you do this, you can get stuck in a rut.  Instead, you want the innovation process to be one of discovery.  Constantly try new things and approach the process like a child doing something for the first time.

2. Silence the Inner Critic – One of the worst barriers to innovation is the inner critic.  This is the voice in the back of your head that tears you down when you are trying to be creative.  It could be your perfectionist impulse, which is trying to help you do your best, but actually stands in your way.  There’s a time to be critical of your work and that’s after the work is done.  While you’re in your creative space, you do not need this inner voice telling you what to do.  Overcome this obstacle by splitting the innovation process into steps.  One step is free-thinking and brainstorming. The next step involves evaluation, and possibly additional brainstorming.  For example, when you are brainstorming a solution to a problem, do not edit as you record your ideas.  Instead, let the ideas flow and go back later to decide whether they’re worth pursuing.

3. Focusing on the End Result – Over-thinking and focusing too much on the end result can seriously hurt your creativity.  To successfully discover innovative ideas, you need to be “in the moment” during your brainstorming and creative thinking sessions.  You should enjoy the process and “play” with your ideas like a child.  Enjoy the practice of discovering new ideas and not be stopped by implementation details or potential design issues.

4. Other People – Worrying too much about what other people will think of your ideas is a serious barrier to innovation.  It could be a fear of the judgment of others that discourages you; or it could be that you are creating something you hope they’ll like rather than something that your business needs.  Ignore the potential critics.  Instead, focus on the act of innovation and discover ideas you can leverage to expand your business.

5. Practice Makes Perfect – Finally, remember that the creative process requires practice.  You need to set aside some time every week to get into your innovation environment.  If you do this regularly, you will find it easier to develop innovative ideas.  Make it a habit and the productivity of your brainstorming sessions will improve.

I encourage you to schedule at least two “innovation sessions” on your calendar this week so you can start breaking through these barriers.  Please share your innovation success stories in the comments below and let us know how you overcome your innovation barriers.

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(4) comments

Dan Black September 17, 2014

I struggle with #2 the most, I have to constantly fight against my inner critics. They tell me I can’t do something or I’ll never become successful or I’m not smart enough. However, I’ve found practice action toward my dreams allows me to overcome those false statements. Great post here!

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    Steve Sponseller September 18, 2014

    Thanks Dan – you are not alone! Keep practicing and remind yourself of all your successes, that will help quiet the critics.

    Reply
      Dan Black September 18, 2014

      Thank you:) I will keep pushing forward!!!

      Reply
Steve Sponseller September 18, 2014

Thanks Dan – you’re not alone! Keep practicing and remind yourself of all your successes, that will help quiet the critics.

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