Ten Things Great Innovators DO

Being a great innovator isn’t just about your idea. It’s about you. Check out this article if you want to be an impactful innovator ...

Innovation is not just about having great ideas. It’s about having the courage to push them through the obstacles, scepticism, and resistance you’ll face. But here’s the secret: being a great innovator isn’t just about your idea. It’s about you. Your leadership, your passion, and your ability to inspire others.If you want to win management buy-in, you need to be a great innovator. Let me show you how in this article.

You’re the Jockey, Not Just the Horse

In the world of venture capital, they often debate whether success depends more on the jockey (the founder) or the horse (the idea). Here’s the truth: at the start of innovation, the jockey is more important than the horse. If you don’t believe in the idea and show that you’re capable of leading it, no one else will either. At Pixar, they found that even a mediocre idea can succeed if you have a great team behind it. As an innovator, you are the jockey. You need to lead, inspire, and guide your team through the early, rough stages of innovation. Your soft skills and leadership are what will convince management to take a chance on your idea.

10 Things Great Innovators Do

After years of navigating the world of innovation, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. Here are 10 things that great innovators do to break through barriers and win support for their ideas.

1. Be Courageous – Innovation means challenging the status quo. Be bold and take risks. Keep going, even when everyone around you is telling you to stop.

2. Love Your Idea – If you’re not passionate about your idea, no one else will be. Treat it like your child—nurture it, protect it, and fight for it.

3. Be a Storyteller – People are moved by stories, not facts. Tell a compelling story about your idea. Show how it will change the lives of your customers, solve their problems, or make their work easier.

4. Start with Why – Before you explain your idea, explain why it matters. People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it. When you show the purpose behind your idea, people will connect with it on a deeper level.

5. Show Your Will and Passion – Passion is contagious. If you’re all in, others will be too. Show that you’re committed to making your idea a reality, no matter what it takes.

6. Be Persistent – You’ll face a lot of rejection. But persistence pays off. Keep knocking down barriers, turning “nos” into “yesses,” and pushing forward.

7. Influence Hearts and Minds – Winning buy-in isn’t just about logic; it’s about emotions too. Appeal to both. Align your innovation with the values of the decision-makers and show how it benefits them.

8. Put Your Team in the Spotlight – Innovation is a team effort. Recognise and celebrate the contributions of your team. When your team shines, so does your idea.

9. Make Things Happen – Don’t just talk about your idea. Show it in action. Take initiative, execute your plans, and demonstrate that your idea is not just a concept, but something tangible.

10. Be Authentic – People trust authenticity. Be yourself, stay true to your values, and lead with integrity. That trust will help you win over even the most sceptical stakeholders.

The Importance of Soft Skills

While technical skills are essential for innovators, it’s your soft skills that will really make the difference. It’s how you lead, how you communicate, and how you build relationships. Great innovators don’t just manage projects—they inspire teams, build trust, and create a sense of excitement around their ideas.

Storytelling: Your Secret Weapon

One of the most powerful tools you have is storytelling. Stories don’t just inform—they inspire, engage, and connect. A well-told story can turn a dry, technical innovation into something that sparks excitement and action. Science even backs this up: stories trigger oxytocin, a hormone that creates positive feelings and enhances trust. When you tell the story of your innovation, focus on the why. Why does this matter? Why should people care? When you connect your story to the emotions and values of your audience, they’ll be far more likely to support your idea.

Innovation Is Ageless

Innovation isn’t about age—it’s about mindset. Whether you’re 25 or 65, it’s your creativity, curiosity, and courage that drive innovation. The research backs this up: older innovators often bring even more potential because of their experience and knowledge.

In Conclusion: Be a Great Innovator

Being a great innovator is about more than just coming up with great ideas. It’s about having the courage to push those ideas forward, the passion to fight for them, and the soft skills to inspire others to join you. When you embody these traits, you’ll win management buy-in and create a culture of innovation in your organisation.Want to learn more about how to break through the barriers of innovation? Check out my new book Breaking Innovation Barriers on Amazon. It’s packed with practical tips to help you succeed.

Wishing you lots of success.

Innovative regards,

Gijs van Wulfen

LinkedIn Influencer, Speaker on Design Thinking Innovation, Founder FORTH Innovation method, author of six Innovation Books, Global Number One Thought Leader on Design Thinking 2024

Ps. Click on this link to boost your skills to lead innovation with the FORTH innovation method as certified facilitator.

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