We hear a lot about how companies need to innovate to stay relevant in their market. Innovation can have a different meaning for each of us, however, it is helpful to understand what is the characteristics that can cause a leader to have the “innovation gene”. Researchers at the Harvard Business School (Gregersen and Christensen) surveyed over 3,000 executives who had not started a business vs. responses from over 500 people who had created thriving companies.
What are the characteristics of an innovator?
- They ask a lot of questions and challenge the status quo
- Spend at least 15 minutes writing down what questions would challenge the current state of the company
- Study other people and cultures. Live in another country for a period.
- Be an observer. Watching how people do their activities, however mundane can inspire ideas to improve the activity.
- They network well to connect themselves to resources that will test their ideas and get feedback.
What’s your innovation DNA? While some of it is hard wired in people and others must work at it intentionally. However, knowing what concepts could help you down this road can be half the battle to win the war of innovation for your company.
Here’s to innovating!
Mike