If you wanted to become a crocodile trainer, I think the first rule would probably be: Avoid the mouth.

That seems logical, doesn’t it?

But here’s the problem: you can’t actually train a crocodile from 20 feet away.

At some point, you have to get close enough to risk getting bit.

(I’m just guessing at all of this, by the way. I have no idea how to train a crocodile…or if they’re even trainable. Honestly, it’s not a very good metaphor. I just liked the opening sentence, and decided to go with it. But let’s pretend the metaphor works, and move on to the point, okay?)

(Where were we?)

(Oh, yeah…)

At some point, you have to get close enough to risk getting bit.

Innovation works the same way.

You can’t lead your team to new ideas from a safe distance.
You can’t delegate curiosity.
You can’t outsource the messy part.

Real innovation means getting close to the chaos.
The failed experiments.
The awkward questions.
The uncomfortable feedback.

That’s where the real learning happens.
That’s where the transformation lives.
That’s where the needle starts to move.

Want to start small?
Pick one thing this week to experiment with—something so small it couldn’t possibly fail big.

• A new question to ask.

• A new process to try.

• A tiny risk to take.

Because those small experiments? They’re how innovation muscles get stronger.

Many (most?) leaders want innovation without the risk.
They want to “train the crocodile” while keeping their shoes dry.

But the teams that actually innovate?

They’re the ones who wade in.
Carefully. Intentionally. But fully.

Because you can’t tame what you’re not willing to approach.