So, I’m sitting at a Starbucks working. But, I’m actually eavesdropping on the conversation next to me. A woman is throwing out one idea after another to her boss, trying to get him to embrace some creative change for their organization–and for a specific event they are trying to plan.

She’s got great ideas. They are innovative and yes, a bit exotic. But, good.

Every response from him begins with the word:

Unfortunately…

The message: We just can’t innovate.

Too bad. I wonder how long she’ll stay. I wonder if he’ll ever get it.