A global research studied the habits of 25 innovative entrepreneurs (1). The researchers found that innovators are different due to five discovery skills:
- Associating; successfully connect seeminlgy unrelated questions, problems and ideas from different fields.
- Questioning; constantly asking questions like ‘why’, ‘what if’ and ‘why not’.
- Observing; “going to the spot and seeing yourself” (Toyota’s genchi genbutsu principle).
- Experimenting; actively trying out new ideas by creating prototypes and launching pilots.
- Networking; devoting time and energy to finding and testing ideas through a network of diverse individuals.
Here’s a short test to explore your own innovation DNA:
- When did you last connect design leadership with Shackleton’s South Pole endeavor and ballet?
- Did you ask yourself why the only way to develop a designer’s career is going into design management?
- In which country did you last check the execution of your global design strategy?
- How can your low-cost products designed for emerging markets be transformed into interesting products for your home country?
- Did you ever try out your newly developed design process within the design department of another industry, before launching in your own company?
OK, you’re paid to drive innovation. But be true to yourself… are you an innovative design manager and how do you do on the discovery skills?
If you’re scoring average or getting too routined, don’t worry! The research found that most innovators did start to excell after they rehearsed over and over the behavior described, to the point that it became automatic.
(1) Havard Business Review, Issue December 2009, page 60-67.
Tags: innovation
I think it might be right that innovative entrepreneurs differ themselves in these 5 points from others.
But in my opinion one has to add the personal strength and believe in theirselves and in their ideas. You might call it courage or energy, but I believe that an innovative entrepreneur has to withstand a lot of critics and set backs.
If you lack stamina as an innovative entrepreneur, you might go no nowhere with all your innovation.