Becoming a great innovator isn’t something that happens overnight, and contrary to what some may think, it does involve more than just a great idea. Having an idea is that necessary starting point, but there are also other traits and characteristics that a person needs to have in order to see that idea through, and make it successful.
In looking at the great innovators out there today, one can start to piece together a list of traits that they can work on. So, with that said, let’s take a look at the top traits of successful innovators.
A Proactive Approach to Life
There are plenty of people that are creative and come up with great ideas all the time, but this doesn’t mean they all turn out to be great innovators. One important trait to have is a proactive approach to life. Rather than just taking that idea and storing it away in the back of your mind, the proactive approach will be to take that idea, start to shape it further, and build upon it so that you can turn that idea into a reality.
Education and Training
This particular trait, more so than any others, is one that causes a lot of arguments. While professional training and education will certainly help to open doors and prepare you from a knowledge standpoint, this trait doesn’t always make or break the deal.
While you can find many examples of people who have spent years in school and then taken that knowledge to create a highly successful business that is built on innovation, there are also those who have managed to achieve that same success without an educational background.
Take for example Gurbaksh Chahal, who at the age of 16 dropped out of high school and decided to go after his dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur. Only 18 months after starting his first business he was able to turn around and sell it for $40 million. From there his career has continued to skyrocket. Chahal has gone on to win a number of awards for his innovation and entrepreneurial skills, and even started his own non-profit foundation to give back and help others.
The Ability to Think Outside the Box and Be Different
The very definition of the word “innovation” means to strive for something different. With that said, in order to be a successful innovator, one must be willing to look for answers that are outside the box. They need to take a look at problems and go about a whole new way of solving them.
Don’t Shy Away from Help
Just because a person wants to be a great and successful innovator doesn’t mean they have to go about everything on their own. Many of the most successful innovators out there are in fact surrounded by highly knowledgeable, creative, and capable people. A successful innovator is able to ask for help, and provide their staff with the tools they need in order to drive the idea forward.
Be Prepared to Take the Long Way
Another equally as important trait of successful innovators is the acceptance that the long way of going about things is the only viable way. Shortcuts have no place in successful businesses. They may seem great at the time, but shortcuts, more often than not, tend to lead to issues down the road. As an innovator, you need to be prepared to give your idea and business all of your time and focus.
A Collection of Traits
Becoming a successful innovator really comes down to a collection of traits on top of a creative and unique idea. Some of these traits may come naturally to the innovator, while others may take more of a conscious effort.
Great Article. It really touches on the path we need to take.