Ending Soon! Save 33% on All Access

To Manage Innovation, Manage Failure Better Re-boot your mindset and your leadership to help new ideas flourish.

By Entrepreneur Staff

Every company believes it is fostering innovation but not every company does. We talked to a panel of innovation experts for the approach a company needs to take to truly encourage new thinking. Here's what they said:

Fix your mindset. Established companies are especially afraid to fail and can't grow as a result. However, it's the truly innovative companies that have learned to expect and manage failure who are able to pursue the freshest approaches. "Failure -- We could just call it learning," says Jeanne M. Liedtka, a professor of Business Administration at the University of Virginia.

Let innovation flourish. Some businesses are hesitant to innovate since it could interfere with or even threaten crucial core business operations, says Jonathan Axelrod, managing director at Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator. He suggests you separate innovation and core business so neither is hampered and so new efforts aren't competing with legacy interests.

Related: What All Great Business Ideas Share

Accept outside innovation. Once you grow to a certain size, you might need to accept that your company is better off acquiring a smaller company that's created a solution you need, says Greg Grove, an attorney at Chicago's Much Shelist. "Larger organizations have an advantage where they can support or invest in or acquire smaller enterprises to drive their own growth," he adds.

For more insights, watch this short hangout. Other videos from this series can be found here.

Related: Prove Your Business Idea Will Succeed

Entrepreneur Staff

Entrepreneur Staff

Editor

For more than 30 years, Entrepreneur has set the course for success for millions of entrepreneurs and small business owners. We'll teach you the secrets of the winners and give you exactly what you need to lay the groundwork for success.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

'Creators Left So Much Money on the Table': Kickstarter's CEO Reveals the Story Behind the Company's Biggest Changes in 15 Years

In an interview with Entrepreneur, Kickstarter CEO Everette Taylor explains the decision-making behind the changes, how he approaches leading Kickstarter, and his advice for future CEOs.

Career

Is Consumer Services a Good Career Path for 2024? Here's the Verdict

Consumer services is a broad field with a variety of benefits and drawbacks. Here's what you should consider before choosing it as a career path.

Business Ideas

87 Service Business Ideas to Start Today

Get started in this growing industry, with options that range from IT consulting to childcare.

Business Models

How to Become an AI-Centric Business (and Why It's Crucial for Long-Term Success)

Learn the essential steps to integrate AI at the core of your operations and stay competitive in an ever-evolving landscape.