In theory, every organization wants to innovate.
In practice? Many are unknowingly fighting against themselves.
As my Lean at 10: Culture Eats Methodology for Lunch co-author Jamie Notter recently put it on Carol Hamilton’s Nonprofit Mission: Impact podcast, most organizations are genuinely committed to unlocking new value for the people they serve, yet too often, a competing commitment that is embedded in the culture gets in the way.
For example: being equally committed to always appearing competent, to never having to say, “I don’t know.” That second commitment quietly sabotages the first, because innovation requires admitting you don’t know. It asks us to test, learn, and occasionally fail. No matter what you say, if your organizational culture actually rewards being the smartest person in the room, then no one is allowed to take that risk.
That’s how innovation cultures actually grow – not through slogans or retreats, but by practicing honesty about what we really value and being willing to learn.