All too often, we think of innovation as just the creation of a new idea – but, what matters most is bringing that idea to life to accomplish great things within an organization or society as a whole. Larry Keeley, an innovation consultant with Doblin, Inc., lists the following as examples of the world’s greatest innovations (see http://bit.ly/GRZJG0):
- Ideas that saved lives, extended average lifespan or materially improved the quality of life
- Ideas that led to downstream derivative innovations that fundamentally altered how we live and what we are able to do as a species
- Ideas that freed up people’s time to do something besides just scramble endlessly for the food, shelter and clothing they need to survive
With this broad perspective as a backdrop, what potential innovations can your enterprises best realize? Who drives innovation in your organization? What unique characteristics define these individuals? Does successful innovation require one specific style or personality?
A recent study commissioned by Forbes magazine (see http://onforb.es/GKt31x) highlights several different personality types that foster “healthy atmospheres of innovation” within business environments. These archetypes range from entrepreneurial personalities to those that are more process oriented. Typically, leaders like Walt Disney and Steve Jobs come to mind when we think of innovators – but process oriented innovators such as Jack Welch of GE are just as significant as business innovators.
So, reflect on the leaders in your organization. What unique talents do you or they offer to drive successful innovation in your industry? All of us have the potential to innovate and do great things. We just need to focus our skills, conceive of new paradigms and execute those ideas that can truly make a difference.
