Most leaders want better innovative business growth. And that means profit, security and peace of mind.

Innovating should be fun, not stressful or time-consuming. We work too hard to still not have the innovative results we deserve.

It's okay to say NO to the things that don't serve you.

Some of the most successful innovation leaders are masters at saying NO.

Here are 10 critical things to put on your NOT-TO-DO LIST for innovating in 2023:

7. Don't ask people what they think of your idea or rough prototype
Why? People subconsciously skew their feedback when asked how they might use something in the future. Instead, let people try your rough prototype and watch how they interact and react to it. Then and only then start to ask them why they interacted the way they did. This will give you accurate insights.

8. Don't test your innovation on a big user group
Why? Research shows that 80% of the feedback you need can come from just 5 people. Any more people in the user group create small gains in feedback. Better to test with 5 people, get feedback, incorporate and then test on a new set of 5 people.

9. Don't create a separate innovation team
Why? Your everyday worker will feel alienated and not included creating resentment. Better to share some proven simple innovation techniques that all team members can use to innovate.

10. Don't try to inspire innovation through financial rewards or bonuses
Why? Research has shown money isn't an effective innovation motivator. Using recognition, novelty prizes, and stories to motivate is more effective. Stories about how people use specific innovation behaviour to achieve a desired result work best.