Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations. Steve Jobs

Innovation and entrepreneurial endeavors are messy to say the least. Often they are simply a series of failures leading toward ultimate success. Individuals and organizations are sometimes caught in the “we never fail” or “never admit a mistake” syndrome. Unfortunately, this can be become the greatest barrier to break-through thinking and real innovation.

Steve Jobs knows a thing or two about innovation. He also knows even more about failures and mistakes. It really is part of any business or any path to higher achievement. Tom Peters added that if you aren’t failing at your innovations 50% of the time, you aren’t trying hard enough and you are probably settling for mediocrity.

Is it easy for you to admit mistakes when you fail, particularly on innovative projects? More importantly, how safe is it within your team or group for others to admit their mistakes? If it is hard for you, chances are you are making it hard for your team. If it is hard for your team you will waste countless hours, and major opportunities, as people flounder, try to justify, point fingers or even place blame on others. In the end it can fracture your team, frustrate your people and cause your innovative efforts to fail.

Work to create a “fail-safe” environment and culture within your group – where in innovative efforts, it is safe to fail. Remember, you are shooting for excellence not perfection, especially when you innovating.

So go for it! Innovate! And when you or a team member fail, admit the mistake and move on toward greater innovation and success.