2 Tips to Keep Project Innovation Alive

The fastest way to kill creativity on any project is to nix any suggestion that involves risk. For projects to be successful, you need a process that encourages flexibility and innovative thinking. Be sure your project management training program includes a thoughtful approach to risk.

Here are two key points to consider:

1. Define two kinds of failure.  Some failures occur as a result of decisions that could and should have been avoided. The decisions were made hastily and without consideration of the consequences. Other failures could be described as “smart.” They occurred despite carefully planning and were caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond your control.  Know which type of failure occurred and treat them accordingly.
2. Provide guidelines for acceptable risk-taking.  In your project management training, design guidelines that warrant risk within your organization. Be specific so project participants can take creative steps to learn and solve problems without unnecessary fear. Do not tie their hands with too strong an aversion to risk. 

Risk is a necessary part of managing complex projects with high expectations and a lot of moving parts. Be sure your project team and the key project stakeholders understand what level of risk is acceptable so they are willing to offer fresh solutions (and latitude) to the problems that inevitably occur.