Finding the right balance in project innovation levels can be tricky, but here’s a simple approach from my experience: - Chat it out: Hold a fun brainstorming session. - Set goals: Decide if you want a rocket or a better stapler. - Vote: Pick the best ideas like a talent show. - Pilot: Test drive ideas without commitment. - Check-in: Regularly discuss how the “innovation casserole” is cooking!

I am starting by getting details about the reason. The invitation may bring issues and challenges which are not worth it. Innovation is something new, with no testing, queries, details or aspects of existing as an innovation. My starting point is gaining details about innovation through meetings, external information, etc. Then, analysing the situation and project and having meetings provide everything needed to start the project. I think providing pros and cons during that time is helpful but may not work for use.

To find the right balance on project innovation levels, I’d facilitate a collaborative discussion where team members can express their ideas and concerns openly. By focusing on the project’s goals and constraints (budget, timeline, resources), I’d guide the team to identify where innovation can add value without compromising feasibility. Prioritizing ideas based on impact and alignment with business objectives can help. I’d also encourage experimentation within a structured framework, allowing for both creative solutions and practical, incremental improvements. This approach ensures innovation while maintaining project viability.

This is a fun one. Your team may not be an agreement on what the definition of innovation is. I've worked on many engagements, where innovation was the stated objective. However, most companies truly do not want innovation. Innovation by nature means that before it is brought into the world It is literally unthinkable. Instead when we say "innovation" most of the time what we're talking about is accelerated incremental improvement. So perhaps the problem statement should be: "we can't agree on the rate of acceleration of incremental improvement." If true innovation that you seek, then there is no level of innovation. It is either innovative or is not, and you won't know if it's innovative until you have thought of it.

Based on the many books I have read and on personal experiences, The right balance will never be achieved but a general consensus can be arrived at between the team members. As a project Lead heading such a team, it's important that new innovative ideas are not concentrated from a a common pool of the team members everytime. As a team, each of the members should be constantly encouraged to share their views and should be given priority.