Why Innovation Thrills and Terrifies Us at the Same Time

Innovation is like a rollercoaster—there are thrilling highs, terrifying drops, and moments where you just want to get off ... Read this article to get fifteen strategies for you to deal with it ...

If you’ve ever been part of an organisation trying to do something new, you know exactly what I mean. WE love and hate innovation simultaneously.

Why do we love innovation so much? Simple. It’s the key to growth, the gateway to the future, the source of exciting chances, and the birthplace of something new. It promises to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. But why do we hate it at the same time? Because innovation is risky, full of potential failure, costly, and it takes way more time than we ever expect.

Let’s unpack this love-hate relationship.

Why We Love Innovation

1. Growth

Innovation drives growth like nothing else. Whether it’s a product that wins new customers or a process that makes things more efficient, innovation is the path to staying relevant. Without growth, organizations stagnate. Nobody dreams of just surviving; we want to thrive! And innovation gets us there.

2. The Future

We love innovation because it’s forward-looking. It gives us hope and a sense of purpose. The promise of a better tomorrow inspires us to try, to push boundaries, and to think big. Who doesn’t want to be part of shaping what’s next?

3. Chances

Innovation creates opportunities: new markets, new customers, and new ways to work. It’s a playground for ideas, a chance to experiment and see what’s possible. And when it works? Oh, the payoff is worth every sleepless night.

4. Newness

Let’s admit it—new is exciting! A fresh idea, a new gadget, or even just the buzz of working on something different. Innovation breaks the monotony and injects life into our work. It’s a reset button when things feel stale.

Why We Hate Innovation

1. Risk

Innovation is risky. Not every idea works. In fact, most don’t. Trying something new means stepping into the unknown, and that’s scary. What if it fails? What if it costs too much? What if the boss hates it? These questions can paralyze even the most creative thinkers.

2. Failure

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: failure. Innovation doesn’t come with guarantees. The path is full of trial and error, and those errors? They’re not just frustrating—they can be costly. Nobody likes to fail, even though we all know it’s part of the process.

3. Cost

Innovation doesn’t come cheap. There are the direct costs—like R&D, prototypes, and testing—and the indirect ones, like the time and energy spent on something that might not even succeed. Every innovation project comes with the unspoken question: Can we afford this?

4. Time

Oh, the time it takes! Innovation is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. From the first spark of an idea to the launch of something tangible, the process can feel painfully slow. And in today’s world of instant gratification, patience is in short supply.

The Balancing Act

So, what’s the takeaway? Should we love innovation or hate it? The truth is, we need both emotions to stay balanced. The love fuels our drive to innovate. The hate keeps us grounded and cautious, ensuring we don’t jump blindly into every shiny new idea.

Innovation isn’t about avoiding risks, failure, costs, or delays—it’s about managing them. When we strike the right balance, we create something remarkable: innovation that not only excites us but also delivers real value.

Fifteen strategies to Win Buy-In for Innovation

In my new book “Breaking Innovation Barriers” I have identified fifteen strategies that help you transforming the fears of your managers or clients into management buy-in for innovation. Check them out below.

By following these 15 strategies, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the challenges and get the support you need within your organisation. In my new book, “Breaking Innovation Barriers”, I dive deeper into each of these strategies. Packed with practical tips and real-life examples, it’s your guide to turning those frustrating “no’s” into enthusiastic “yes’s.”

The next time you find yourself loving and hating innovation, remember this: You’re not alone. This tension is natural, and it’s also what makes innovation so powerful. It’s hard, but it’s worth it.

So, embrace the rollercoaster. Love the thrill. Tolerate the fear. Apply the fifteen strategies to transform fear into support for innovation. Because when innovation works, it’s nothing short of magic.

Wishing you lots of success.

Innovative regards,

Gijs van Wulfen

LinkedIn Influencer, Speaker on Design Thinking Innovation, Founder FORTH Innovation method, author of six Innovation Books, Global Number One Thought Leader on Design Thinking 2024

Ps. Click on this link to boost your skills in one week in Italy to lead innovation with the FORTH innovation method as certified facilitator.

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