innovation is always difficult

Innovation often brings to mind something new and challenging. While the term is so frequently used that it may feel overused or even cliché, it still carries a certain weight. Whether it’s brainstorming a new department name, forming a new organization, or presenting a task to senior management, the word “innovation” somehow always sounds impressive.

However, there is one critical aspect that is almost always overlooked in discussions about innovation:
Risk!!!

Here are the key risks to be mindful of when driving innovation:

• Predicting the future based on past analysis always involves risk. The data and analysis used to support arguments must be complementary and multidimensional to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Overvaluing optimistic information that supports a rosy outlook while suppressing or dismissing negative information or dissenting opinions—often driven by hierarchy or confirmation bias within the organization—prevents risks from being identified.
• When problems arise during a project, the risk grows significantly if resources are poured into a failing or misguided direction rather than identifying and addressing the root cause. This often happens because of stubbornness that no one dares to challenge.
• A culture of reading the room and conforming to organizational moods, rather than encouraging rational thinking and open communication, makes it harder to detect risks.
• Biases and overconfidence in past success stories within the organization can amplify risks or blind the team to their presence.

For these reasons, innovation is always difficult.