Traps, Crises, & Pitfalls

This chapter covers the common traps that derail innovation projects, including deadlock and the allure of “shiny objects”—distractions that promise improvements but erode focus. It examines the dynamics of stuck projects—initiatives that appear active but make no real progress—and the effects of skeptics, passive resistance, and hidden misalignment. This chapter prepares leaders to navigate setbacks with composure and to reframe crises as opportunities to reinforce clarity, rebuild momentum, and re-engage both teams and stakeholders.