Forget Going It Alone: The Three P’s Every Innovator Needs to Survive

Why do some efforts fizzle while others flourish? The secret often lies in combining three elements that, individually, rarely guarantee success: partnership, policy savvy, and perseverance. Each is important, but their effects multiply when pursued together.

Partnership turns rivals into allies and helps innovators reach new communities. Smart policy engagement ensures that compliance and advocacy aren’t afterthoughts, dodging landmines that have sunk promising ventures. Perseverance, meanwhile, is less about grit and more about sustained, strategic flexibility—learning from every twist, setback, or door that slams shut.

Real-world examples abound. Nonprofits struggling alone often fail to meet community needs, but those that draw in diverse partners cling on and grow, even through lean years. A food bank that proactively works with county health officials and zoning boards is less likely to be blindsided by new rules. Business research shows early cross-sector partnerships and policy consultations correlate with both faster growth and fewer calamities. Finally, case studies reveal that teams who plan to persevere—building failure into their initial process—are better at rebounding and innovating quickly.

This framework, sometimes called “the 3 P’s,” is proven in entrepreneurship, public leadership, classroom innovation, and beyond. The lesson: don’t build your big idea to withstand change alone, build it to thrive on collaboration, regulation, and adaptability.

Take a fresh look at your next initiative. Who outside your core team should be included now, before your plans set? What hidden policies or regulations could show up unannounced, and who can help you navigate them? When something goes sideways, don’t scramble—review your resilience plan, seek input, and adjust. Begin blending these three P’s into the very DNA of your work. Little by little, you’ll sidestep the usual pitfalls and surprise yourself with what you and your allies can achieve.