Leaders can face hidden innovation barriers even after building a culture that encourages idea generation.
A common barrier is the fear of overwhelm - the belief that suggesting ideas will lead to more work.
To overcome this barrier: respond transparently, focus on eliminating tasks, share workload, and manage priorities.
Key strategies include responding honestly to ideas, making trade-offs visible, assigning tasks to suitable individuals, scheduling follow-ups, and providing a framework for idea evaluation.
Encouraging idea grenadiers to use the I.D.E.A. model can help in vetting ideas and determining actionable steps.
By addressing the fear of additional workload, organizations can foster a culture of problem-solving and innovation.