📺 Stream EntrepreneurTV for Free 📺

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

By Entrepreneur Staff

entrepreneur daily

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

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

Editor's Pick

Fundraising

If You Want Funding, These Are the Financial Reports VCs Need to See

When you're trying to attract new investors, there are several financial reports and metrics you'll need to have ready before you have a chance at potential funding. As the CEO of a venture capital firm and investment group, here's what you need for the best pitch.

Business News

Carnival Cruises Officially Installs Elon Musk's Starlink Internet on 100% of its Ships

Starlink is now the official internet for Carnival passengers.

Legal

This New Under-the-Radar Regulation Will Impact Most Businesses. Here's What You Need to Know.

There's a new requirement for many U.S.-based businesses that went into effect starting earlier this year. These are the things you need to know about the Corporate Transparency Act.

Life Hacks

How to Train Your Inner Voice to Appreciate Solitude and Silence Negative Thinking

Spending quality time alone is crucial for deep work, but you have to know how to manage your mind. Here's how to do it.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

Major U.S. Airlines Are Suing the Government Over 'Capricious' Fee Transparency Law

Southwest Airlines opted not to join the other airlines in the lawsuit.