Why is the most important leader in the innovation process the first-line manager?

a. He or she knows more about what is really going on in the organization.

b. This manager’s proximity to the point of service exemplifies the strongest partnership with the staff closest to the place where innovation becomes action.

c. This manager does what he or she is told and translates that best to get the staff “on board.”

d. This manager can make the most sense of the change and translate it in a way staff can best understand.