If staff are not motivated to incorporate new ideas into their daily work, any airport initiative focused on innovation will simply be a nonstarter. Below are a few staff-related barriers that can destroy the possibility for a culture of innovation.

Barrier: Fear of Failure

There may be several reasons why staff are afraid to try new things or get involved in a challenging project. They may worry about “career suicide” if their work does not produce intended results or worry about being punished for making any misstep. Below are resources to help overcome this barrier.

• Play 6: Develop an Innovation Mindset
• Play 7: Create a Safe Environment
• Supplemental Resources
  • “How Does Culture Influence Innovation? A Systematic Literature Review” by Mu Tian, Ping Deng, Yingying Zhang, and Maria Paz Salmador (research publication)
  • Demystifying Innovation Culture Efforts by Bob Eckert and Natalie Jenkins (book)

Barrier: Fear of Retribution

Staff can sometimes be afraid to speak up because they fear a boss or colleague may sabotage their efforts to make changes or may get angry about an issue raised. If staff are afraid to ask if there is a better way to do something, innovative ideas will never get traction. Below are resources to help overcome this barrier.

• Play 7: Create a Safe Environment
• Play 8: Support Open Dialogue
• Play 10: Improve Communications
• Supplemental Resources
  • The Innovator's DNA: Mastering the Five Skills of Disruptive Innovators by Hal Gregersen, Jeffrey H. Dyer, and Clayton Christensen (book)
  • “Accelerate!” by John P. Kotter (article)

Barrier: Office Politics

Airport staff may find themselves in departments with entrenched or fixed mindsets, or they may be beleaguered by ongoing turf wars. They may not have the energy, courage, or resources to know where to start. Below are resources to help overcome this barrier.

• Play 1: Prioritize Innovation
• Play 7: Create a Safe Environment
• Supplemental Resources
  • “What's Inside the CEO's Innovation Playbook?” by Braden Kelley (article)
  • “Becoming a Leader Who Fosters Innovation” by David Magellan Horth and Jonathan Vehar (white paper)

Barrier: Resisting Change

Some staff may feel threatened by change and try to undermine it, while others may be hardened by past failed attempts at change. Some staff may not be motivated to try new things. On the flip side, some employees may want to be part of an innovative culture even though their team, department, or organization is resistant to change. Below are resources to help overcome this barrier.

• Play 3: Drive Change
• Play 6: Develop an Innovation Mindset
• Play 9: Focus on Behaviors that Support Change
• Play 11: Develop a Unifying Strategic Plan
• Supplemental Resources
  • “The Organization of the Future: A New Model for a Faster-Moving World” by John P. Kotter (article)
  • “Moving from Best to Better and Better: Business Practice Redesign Is an Untapped Opportunity” by Deloitte Insights (white paper)