Do I have what it takes to be an innovator?

Do you as individual have what it takes to be a successful innovator?

I think it's important to establish that innovators are not some exclusive clique of people.  Innovation can occur anywhere in the business by anyone.  Ultimately it boils down to the profitable implementation of ideas where something new, better or different occurs.   Anyone can be innovative.

That said, I think there are certain skills that successful innovators possess.  Innovators tend to be:

• Visionary & imaginative
• Self-motivated
• Continuous learners & inquisitive
• Risk takers
• Willing to keep trying and resilient to failure
• Flexible
• Questioning of the status quo
• Focused on outcomes

This is by no means exhaustive but gives you a flavour of some of the key skills.  So have you got what it takes?  Where do you already have strengths, where do you need to build up your experience further?

There's no doubt that innovation will come more naturally to some than others but don't be scared of getting it wrong.  Remember, you don't need to be radical to be innovative but, at the very least, you can't be innovative without trying.  In the words of Woody Allen:

"If you are not failing now and again it's a sign you are not doing anything very innovative."