The Challenges of Innovation

Indifference, hostility, and isolation are among the major obstacles to a healthy innovation environment

BusinessWeek, August 22, 2008 — In most companies, just about all the cards are stacked against the nurturing of innovation, especially the kinds of new ideas and disruptive innovations that generally lead to major changes in the marketplace and within the business.

Following are some of the behaviors I have observed in companies throughout the years that have convinced me how difficult it is to create an environment in which innovation can flourish.