Five traits of successful innovators

If you posses the following traits, then you might be more innovative and creative than you think.

• Do you often wonder why the things are the way they are?
• Do you ask questions to understand that?
• Are your inquiries guided by genuine desire to learn?

If you answered yes to all three questions, then you indeed are inquisitive and curious.

• Can you make a dinner with food scraps from your kitchen?
• Can you organise a dinner for twelve people?

If you answered yes to both questions, then you indeed can combine managerial and effectual thinking.

• Are you able to recover from harsh feedback and rejection?
• Can you separate your idea/creation from yourself as an individual?
• Do you eat, sleep, and drink well? Drinking refers to water, not ability to outdo local bar frequenters.

If you answered yes, yes, and yes, then you are tenacious and have what it takes to endure the innovation journey.

• Are you always on the lookout for ways to learn what's new in your industry or subject matter area?
• Do you find it difficult to "sit and wait how things develop?"
• Do you feel energised when things are put in motion and you get to do the work?

An array of yeses might indicate that you are restless and don't easily accept the status quo. A fine trait for an innovator. Might get you into a trouble from time to time, but hey.

• Can you smell it?
• Can you taste it?
• Can you hear it?
• Can you visualise it?
• Can you play with it?

If you answered with five yeses, then you have a vivid imagination which helps you see (and connect!) things others still don't.

The above traits can be nurtured, developed, and encouraged—they aren't the exclusive purview of birthright.