Operating Principle

2–4 min read

Innovation Teams Need Different Incentives Than Execution Teams

Innovation Teams Need Different Incentives Than Execution Teams

Innovation Teams Need Different Incentives Than Execution Teams

Innovation teams need incentives for learning, not predictable delivery.

Innovation teams need incentives for learning, not predictable delivery.

Innovation teams need incentives for learning, not predictable delivery.

Execution incentives push uncertain teams toward safe work.

Execution incentives push uncertain teams toward safe work.

Execution incentives push uncertain teams toward safe work.

Execution incentives push uncertain teams toward safe work.

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Operating Question

What assumption, incentive, capability, or handoff is determining whether this innovation can progress?

What assumption, incentive, capability, or handoff is determining whether this innovation can progress?

What assumption, incentive, capability, or handoff is determining whether this innovation can progress?

Why It Matters

Execution incentives push uncertain teams toward safe work.

Supporting Evidence

Vijay Govindarajan and Chris Trimble.

Research Notes

Match the innovation approach to uncertainty, capital intensity, and the stage of commercialization.

Practical Actions

Separate incentives; reward informed risk; watch for suspiciously safe projects.

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