Innovators’ Book Club: The Innovator’s DNA

Can you get DNA tested for an Innovation gene?

Today, you can get your DNA tested for almost anything. You can learn about your ethnic background, who your long-lost relatives are and even what food and medications work best with your body.

But can you be tested for the innovation gene? Not yet, but luckily the authors of The Innovator’s DNA have determined that being an innovator is more nurture than nature.

The authors, Clayton Christen, Jeffry Dyer and Hal Gregersen examined the behaviors of the world’s best innovators- Apple, Amazon, Virgin Air, Google and Salesforce.com-and boiled it down to five skills that are most common within innovators vs. typical executives.

1.       Associating-a cognitive skill sometimes called “associated thinking” which happens when the brain tries to synthesize and make sense of novel inputs. Its basically connecting the unrelated to make a new idea or direction.

2.       Questioning-constantly challenging the status quo and continuing to ask questions that provoke new insights, connections, and possibilities.

3.       Observing- carefully watching the world around you to gain insights and new ways of doing things. It also can help identify pain points with consumers which can lead to a disruptive idea.

4.       Networking- great innovators test their ideas through a series of different people with varying backgrounds. They’re not scared to talk to the “way out there” people or those who just have a very different perspective than their own.

5.       Experimenting -Finally, experimenting with the different ideas. Learning to fail fast and testing different hypotheses along the way.

I have the privilege of working with many great innovators at Mission Field @jonathantofel, @carolinafryer @caraghmclaughlin, @juliawing-larson and with a variety of truly innovative clients.  The best part is that we’re all passionate about disruptive innovation and how it can lead to greater business results.  If you’re interested in taking an assessment to see if you have the 5 skills sets of an innovator, go to www.innovatorsDNA.com

Steve Jobs may have said it best “I want to put a ding in the universe.” That’s what we at Mission Field want to help you do. Reach out to me directly with any of your innovation challenges. We can help ideate, create, and test your innovation and we’re looking forward to disrupting the world together. Contact me at julieb@mission-field.com