I cannot emphasize enough the importance of acknowledging the frustration your team may be experiencing, regardless of the cause. This is especially critical if your team feels demoralized by technical setbacks in innovation, as such feelings can lead to a sense of defeat and reluctance to explore new innovative possibilities.

One effective approach is to be proactive by incorporating time in each team meeting to identify and discuss areas of frustration. Rather than waiting for frustrations to become evident, actively seek them out. Additionally, it encourages the practice of identifying possible solutions when expressing frustrations. This approach will foster a sense of value and commitment within the team.

While resetting goals is crucial for managing frustrations associated with innovation, it is equally important to create contingency plans during the development and deployment of new innovations. Contingency planning helps minimize frustrations from setbacks since the team has already considered potential challenges. These plans also provide a platform for revisiting original theories and establishing new or revised goals.

Leadership support is crucial for enabling teams to persevere during tough times, especially when facing uncertainty due to unexpected setbacks. Teams often fear being judged or fired when costly innovations fail. It is the responsibility of leadership to establish a culture where failure is acceptable, encouraging teams to do their best and plan for the worst while feeling protected when outcomes fall outside the expected parameters. This culture should be embedded in every aspect of their work.