The Seven Habits Of Innovative People

two business men walking

 
Albert and Fred seem to have their paths intertwined.

They came from the same hometown. 

They both came from good and loving parents.

They both went to the same school from elementary to college.

Both of them graduated with high honours from a prestigious business university. Fred graduated top of the class, while Alfred came in second place.

Both pursued a career in business.

Fred continued his family’s diner business while Albert put up a photo printing shop.

For the first two years, Fred’s already established business continued to thrive in their community. On the other hand, Albert’s start-up struggled during the first year but became stable during his second year of business.

Ever since Albert started his photo printing business, he always made sure that he was up to date with the latest news and research on photography and printing. He attended business, photography, and printing seminars and read books about them.

Albert also invested some funds to travel around the world to check out the latest technology in photo printing and to look for ways how he could improve and develop his business.

Fred used the skills and knowledge he got from the university to continue running the family business. He did not bother much with changing the way the diner was - how it looked, how it operated, the marketing strategy, and even the menu. Everything is working well anyway. And it had been like that for many years already. 

Although Albert’s photo printing business was still booming in his community, Alfred decided to make some changes in his business. In one of his travels, he learned about the digicam, so Alfred decided also to sell the digicam and other electronic gadgets in his place.

Despite the nudging of some friends to modernise and change some things in the diner, Fred remained firm with his decision to stick to tradition. Fred was not bothered by the change that was happening. Despite several restaurants and diners popping out in the community, Fred believes that his family’s diner is still a big shot in their community.

However, as the years went by, the world developed in leaps and bounds, including technology and… diners.

Because Albert sought ways to develop his business, he embraced change, sought new ideas, and took risks, his business boomed in their community and expanded worldwide.

Unfortunately, Fred’s diner business took a sour turn. Because Fred refused to embrace change and was not keen on hearing out new ideas, the people in his community eventually became more interested in going to the new diners and restaurants since they offered them something new and better. Eventually, Fred had to close his family’s 60-year-old diner.

So, what made Albert survive the change? What distinguishes him from Fred?

INNOVATION 

A Lack of Innovation results in closed doors.


Fred’s story is indeed disheartening. Unfortunately, this story resonates with many individuals and organisations. Many have failed to realise their dreams and true potential because they did not hone their innovation and creativity competency.

Innovation is defined as bringing a field, a product, or a service up to date by using new methods, techniques, or ideas that have worked in the past to create new value.

People lacking this competency often:

• Worry and feel uncomfortable when they have to alter priorities or deal with change. 

• Respond poorly to new situations and grumble. 

• Are rigid in their thinking.

• When presented with shifting circumstances, they do not want to change course.

We live in a fast-paced, competitive world. Without innovation, there will be no progress. If you do not innovate, you will eventually stagnate. 

Therefore, to be on top of your game, leadership, and business, you must constantly innovate..

Knowing and practising the habits of innovative people can help you develop the competency of innovation and creativity. 

The 7 Habits of Highly Innovative People.

 
Habit #1: Innovative people pursue their passion.



Great innovators are intrinsically motivated, which means their motivation comes from within. This inherent urge drives individuals to pursue their ambitions.

People that are innovative feel pushed to pursue their passions. Difficult undertakings energise them. Highly innovative and successful people aren't always the most gifted, but they constantly and relentlessly pursue their dreams.

Others slack off because they are motivated extrinsically or by external benefits such as money, fame, grades, or admiration. Internally motivated motivation is usually the most successful because the person wants to succeed and is willing to put in the effort.

Therefore, to develop this habit, you need to know what you are passionate about and pursue it.

Habit #2: Innovative people try to find patterns.


Great innovators continually think and observe to connect seemingly unconnected challenges and concepts. When you find new patterns you acquire a new understanding and notice previously unseen relationships or patterns when you connect the dots.
 

Habit #3: Innovative people ask a lot of questions.


Curiosity is a trait shared by great innovators.
 

Going back to the story of Fred and Albert, being curious and asking a lot of questions has helped Albert navigate his business in this fast-paced, ever-changing world.

When you want to be innovative, you need to ask questions, even about stuff you believe you know. Doing this will challenge your existing knowledge and help you gain fresh perspectives. The most challenging element of developing this habit is not searching for solutions but rather coming up with great questions that lead to illuminating answers.
 

Habit#4: Innovative people seek out fresh ideas from various sources.


Innovative people understand that they can't stay ahead of the curve while waiting for inspiration to strike. Creativity requires fuel, and that fuel involves obtaining information by reading and researching new things and being open to new experiences.

Travelling inspires innovative people.

Great innovators enjoy activities that broaden their horizons. They enjoy activities like travelling, learning about different cultures, visiting art museums, walking in nature, learning to play an instrument, and many others.

When you mix your knowledge and experiences, your mind's flexibility and ability to absorb complicated ideas improve.

Habit#5: Innovative people view “failure” as “feedback.”


 “Failure is an option here. If you’re not failing, you’re not innovating enough.” Elon Musk

“I haven't failed. I've simply found 10,000 ways that do not work.” Thomas Edison.

Failure is a part of life. You cannot say you are an innovator if you have not failed.

You must have a strong stomach for uncertainty and virtually always remain optimistic. Every day brings new challenges, from a broken coffee machine to a technical roadblock for your next project. Therefore, to be a great innovator, you need to see every issue as an opportunity and failure as feedback. 

Habit#6: Innovative people create a creative atmosphere.


Your environment influences your ability to tap into your creativity.

Great innovators understand what factors will spark their imagination. They recognise the significance of establishing an environment that stimulates creativity and allows ideas to flow organically. They arrange their work and home spaces in a way that is both comfortable and pleasant. They seek spots where their minds can wander and unwind.

They also tend to work the hours that are most convenient for them. Some people are more creative at night, while others are more creative in the morning. People that are innovative plan their days accordingly. They create a routine and an environment that encourages them to be creative.

Habit#7: Innovative people make innovation a regular habit.


Great innovators are constantly learning and innovating. It's not something people do by chance but rather part of a daily routine of inquiry and experimentation. It takes discipline and effort to become a master of anything. Innovators incorporate growth and learning into their work rather than wait for it to come.

Adopting these seven habits will increase your level of learning and creativity, leading to innovation and transformation.

 

Indeed, honing the competency of innovation and creativity can help you stand out and survive this fast-paced, ever-changing competitive world. 

 We Are Here to Help

At People Builders, we have a team of expert trainers and coaches who can help you in building you and your team’s Innovation and Creativity competency and Emotional Intelligence
. Contact us today for a quick chat to see how we can partner with you to train and coach you and your team.

If you are interested in becoming certified to be a trainer and coach in Social and Emotional Intelligence, Applied Neuroscience, or Extended DISC, go to our People Builders Institute website.

 

 

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