Since you are a reader of Radio3D, then you already have an interest in the future of the broadcast industry and its convergence with digital technology.

Today, this column will take a different approach to discussing innovation. Instead of talking about “how to innovate,” we’ll talk about how to remove the biggest blocks toward innovation in your company: excuses!

Do you see your name attached to any of the following quotes? If so, perhaps this is a good opportunity to reevaluate your thinking and align yourself for a successful future. Even the best leaders have been known to believe their own PR.

Common Innovation-blocking excuses recently heard around the water cooler:

“We don’t have the funding.”

Brainstorming and creativity is free. With powerful ideas come engaged people that bring the process to life. Share the financial upside with them in lieu of money-up-front now. Make them share-holders. You'd be surprised at the opportunistic and entrepreneurial minds you are able to attract and engage—as long as you are not threatened by their ambition and initiative. The best ideas always win.

“My boss won’t allow it.”

This is another way of saying, “Corporate has it handled. It’s not my responsibility.” The truth about your boss is that he or she wants to cultivate a company that has long-term financial success. You only stand to be MORE successful when you can deliver ideas and plans that bring new audience and revenue through the door.

“There’s just too much on my plate.”

Feeling overwhelmed is a real problem in 2010, and it does block new ideas and businesses from growing and moving forward effectively. The old adage, “time flies,” has a new meaning these days. Technology is changing daily. Stay ahead by managing your e-mail and communication with employees—delegate when it MUST get done, and delete when it doesn’t need to be done. If employees continually sense that everything asked of them is a priority, they soon numb to the process and may miss critical goals. If you’re always in the hallway with a fire hose, you will never succeed.

“My boss/corporate/someone else will get all the credit.”

Amazing things happen when no one cares who gets the credit. Look for opportunities to make your company stand out, and you’ll always benefit whether you get direct credit or not.

“We don’t have the time.”

The harsh truth is that you don’t have the time, because you are not willing to make the time. Examine your day, isolate those time-drain moments and eliminate them. The time you save will be time well spent toward strategizing and communicating a vision that clearly sets forth expectations and goals. If you only look at what is immediately in front of you, the target can move without you seeing it.

“We don’t have very creative people.”

Ask yourself if this is really true. Have your employees had the opportunity to provide feedback or ideas? If it’s true that you just do NOT have a creative team, re-think what qualities your team should possess and start recruiting TALENT that fits your criteria.

“We are a risk adverse industry.”

All the more reason for you to assert a leadership role that clearly stands out from your competition. Be the LEAD dog.

“I’ll lose my job if it fails, so I can’t take the risk.”

Taking calculated risks is actually part of what makes you a valuable employee. You are less likely to get fired for taking the right risk—even if it fails because, after all, your company has just paid for your education haven’t they?

“When it comes to new technology, I prefer not to be an early adopter.”

This statement is baffling. So, you'd rather let your competition get a head start? Remember the marketing adage, “First in wins.” You may avoid taking a risk, but you will also avoid the potential of winning.

“We already did _______, and it failed.”

Very rarely does someone success on the first attempt at greatness.

“In 1831, Abraham Lincoln failed in business.

In 1832, Abraham Lincoln was defeated for state legislator.

In 1833, Abraham Lincoln tried a new business, and failed.

In 1835, Abraham Lincoln’s fiancée died.

In 1836, Abraham Lincoln had a nervous breakdown.

In 1843, Abraham Lincoln ran for congress and was defeated.

In 1848, Lincoln ran again, and was defeated. Again.

In 1855, Lincoln ran for the Senate, and lost.

In 1856, Lincoln ran for Vice President, and lost.

In 1859, Lincoln ran again for the Senate. He was defeated.

Then, in 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the United States."

-life-engineering.com

The bottom line is that many times, we are afraid of the silence that closes in when we actually face the future, tune out the noise, and contemplate innovation within our organizations. We tend to confuse “busy” and “tactics” with actual “strategy” and “vision.” When you wipe aside the hectic task list and the fire hoses, sometimes you are left with the harsh reality that you have not prepared yourself and your team for the future. Don’t let the hustle be confused with productivity and success.

Daniel Anstandig and John Erdahl consult for radio stations and media companies on developing digital audience and revenue at McVay New Media.