Inside the Innovator’s Head

Innovation managers play a pivotal role in steering organizations toward growth and adaptability. Central to their effectiveness is possessing an innovator’s mindset—a unique blend of attitudes and behaviors that drive continuous improvement and groundbreaking solutions. But what exactly constitutes this mindset, and how can one develop it?

An innovator’s mindset embodies the belief that abilities and intelligence can evolve, leading to the creation of novel and improved ideas. This perspective aligns with the concept of a growth mindset, where challenges are viewed as opportunities for development rather than obstacles. Educator George Couros identifies eight characteristics that typify this mindset:

Empathy: Understanding the experiences and needs of others to create meaningful solutions.​

Problem Finding: Proactively identifying issues before they become apparent.​

Risk-Taking: Willingness to venture into the unknown, accepting the possibility of failure as part of the learning process.​

Networking: Building connections to share and develop ideas collaboratively.​

Observance: Noticing subtle details that can lead to innovative breakthroughs.​

Creativity: Generating original ideas that add value.​

Resilience: Bouncing back from setbacks with renewed determination. 

Reflection: Continuously assessing and learning from past experiences to inform future actions.

Developing an Innovator’s mindset through intentional practices and shifts in perspective

Embrace Curiosity: Approach the world with a questioning attitude. Challenge existing norms by asking “why” and “what if” to uncover new possibilities. ​ 

Adopt a Growth Mindset: Recognize that skills and intelligence can be developed. View challenges as opportunities to learn rather than threats to competence. ​

Take Calculated Risks: Step out of comfort zones to explore uncharted territories. Understand that failure is often a precursor to success and an integral part of the innovation journey. ​

Foster Collaboration: Engage with diverse teams to gain multiple perspectives. Collaborative efforts often lead to more robust and creative solutions. ​

Practice Resilience: Develop the ability to recover from setbacks. Resilient individuals view failures as learning experiences that pave the way for future success. ​ 

Engage in Continuous Learning: Stay informed about emerging trends and technologies. A commitment to lifelong learning keeps the mind agile and open to new ideas. ​

Observe and Reflect: Pay attention to the world around you, noting patterns and anomalies. Regular reflection on experiences enhances self-awareness and informs better decision-making. ​

Encourage Experimentation: Create an environment where testing new ideas is welcomed. Experimentation fosters innovation by allowing practical exploration of concepts.