Management Mistakes that Stifle Innovators

Innovation: The Classic Traps.
By: Kanter, Rosabeth Moss,
Harvard Business Review,
Nov 2006, Vol. 84, Issue 11

Innovation Hurdles

Strategy Mistakes: Hurdles Too High, Scope Too Narrow

Process Mistakes: Controls Too Tight

Structure Mistakes: Connections Too Loose, Separations Too Sharp

Skills Mistakes: Leadership Too Weak, Communication Too Poor


Innovation Remedies

Strategy remedy: Widen the search, broaden the scope.

Process remedy: Add flexibility to planning and control systems.

Structure remedy: Facilitate close connections between innovators and mainstream businesses.

Skills remedy: Select for leadership and interpersonal skills, and surround innovators with a supportive culture of collaboration.

Author

Rosabeth Moss Kanter is the Ernest L. Arbuckle Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School in Boston. She is a frequent contributor to HBR and was the editor from 1989 to 1992.