This post “Your Innovation Problem Is Really a Leadership Problem” by Scott Anthony points out several aspects that can help make (or keep) your organization innovative, focusing on the leadership team’s responsibilities.
In daily business, I see two things that seem to be in contradiction by nature: The quality you need for operational excellence vs. ‘fail-fast-attitude’ you need to push future innovation. My favorite quote: “[…] leaders have to figure out how to manage two distinct operating systems: one that minimizes mistakes and maximizes productivity in today’s business versus one that encourages experimentation and maximizes learning in tomorrow’s business. It isn’t either/or. It is both/and. […]”
Insist on quality and encourage experimentation – while this might be conflicting goals, you definitely need to bring them together!
Full story at HBR