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If you asked almost any group of executives about innovation, they would likely say they value it.

In my experience, leaders behind some of the strongest companies in the country describe innovation as a force multiplier — the thing that separates leaders from followers. But inside most organizations, innovation often triggers something else entirely: fear.

For an idea to be implemented, it has to survive a journey through the organization. Most innovations don’t fail in the boardroom. They fail somewhere in the middle.

Don’t dismiss small problems — they signal bigger breakdowns

According to a survey conducted by 15Five, “81% of employees would rather join a company that values open communication than one that offers great perks such as top health plans, free food and gym memberships.” Think about that.…