Creative thinking
Dr. Doaa Mohamed Ibrahiem
CHAPTER III
Innovation and Innovators
Goals of the chapter:
1. What is innovation?
2. The Right Mindset for Innovation
3. Definition of innovator.
4. Characteristics of a great innovator:
5. What characteristics do successful inventors have?
6. How to be more innovative person?
7. Innovation barriers and how to overcome ?
What is innovation
• innovation can be defined simply as a new idea, device or
method’’.
• innovation is often also viewed as the application of better
solutions that meet new requirements, unarticulated needs
or existing market needs.
Definition of Innovation
To innovate is to enhance or replace something,
such as a method, a product, or a service. The application
of new procedures, the introduction of new techniques, or
the formation of effective ideas to produce new value
renews and brings a domain, a product, or a service up to
date.
The Right Mindset for Innovation
There are four rules that must be adhered to
1. Break the rules!
2. Collect ideas everywhere!
3. Believe in the impossible!
4. Assemble an innovative team of people with a variety of
viewpoints and thinking styles!
1.Break the rules
You won't get very far in the realm of innovation if you
stick to standard tactics and methods. Challenge the current
quo! Also, move away from the normal pathways.
2.Collect ideas everywhere
To overcome hurdles, adapt concepts, and optimize
methods, innovation initiatives require fresh ideas on a
regular basis.
3. Believe in the impossible
Consider how your idea will manifest in the actual
world. And have trust that you will be able to
overcome any barriers that stand in your way.
4. Assemble an innovative team of people with a
variety of viewpoints and thinking styles
Diverse talents and different ways of thinking are
required for innovation.
Innovator
• An innovator is someone who introduces changes and
new ideas.
• Someone who can transform fresh information and
abilities into a profitable product or service
Characteristics of a great innovator:
1. Valuing Innovation
Innovators understand that the only way to be fully
competitive in the marketplace is to innovate, and they share
this belief with others.
2. Encourage Risk-Taking
In a risk-taking culture, new ideas are encouraged, and
failure is viewed as a chance for progress rather than a source
of punishment.
Characteristics of a great innovator:
3. Teaching Others
Great innovators recognize that new ideas and their
implementation aren't confined to them. They encourage
people to come along on their adventure with them.
4. Somewhere to Begin
Start with a concept and be eager to learn more to become
an innovator.
Characteristics of a great innovator:
5. Looking for Patterns Everywhere
Inventors are always looking for comparable answers. That is,
solutions that are already in use in one industry but may be
valuable in another.
6. Be Positive
You must have a positive attitude as an innovator, even
when things aren't going well. Maintain a positive outlook,
and your new ideas will start to take shape.
Characteristics of a great innovator:
7. Increasing Innovation Incentives
devise incentive programs that encourage and reward
innovative thinking.
8. Being a Team Player
The idea of an innovator as a thorn in everyone's side that
no one wants to work with is untrue. A brilliant inventor
strives to be a team player. Great innovators respect the
concept that we are better together rather than alone
Characteristics of a great innovator:
9. Connecting and Collaborating
Expect to collaborate with others to bring your ideas to
reality.
10. Embracing an Innovation Culture
You recognize as an innovator that you can't "do it alone"
since you want and need fresh ideas and innovation to go
beyond your direct impact. A culture of innovation helps not
only a company, but the whole industry and even society.
What characteristics do successful inventors have?
Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to
innovators.
1. Imagination
In the realm of invention, it's all about problem-solving.
Great inventors understand that it all starts with a vision of
how to make things easier.
What characteristics do successful inventors have?
2. Patience
Patience is essential for innovators. It also aids in analyzing
the benefits and drawbacks of each significant invention
choice.
What characteristics do successful inventors have?
3. Passion
Passion is a motivating force that motivates people to keep
learning and working toward a common goal.
4. Competitiveness
Inventors are always looking for new methods to beat the
competition and improve themselves.
How to be more innovative person?
1. Take a break from your usual routine and look at the
world with new eyes.
2. Keep track of everything, take photos, collect items,
and save memories.
3. Make use of your resources
4. Keep your phone out of your way.
5. Set deadlines for yourself.
How to be more innovative person?
6. Forget what you've done previously.
7. Say 'yes' more often than 'no.'
8. Develop a creative network
9. Keep in mind that uniformity is the enemy of
innovation.
10. Everything is made possible by optimism, energy, and
excitement.
Innovation barriers and how to overcome ?
1.Behavioral Barrier – Resistance to Unfamiliar Ideas
•The brain prefers familiar solutions and may reject new ideas.
•Solution: Don’t dismiss initial ideas, discuss them with others
to get feedback before rejecting them.
2.Feasibility Barrier – “You Can’t Do That”
•New ideas often seem impractical due to lack of resources,
capabilities, or structure.
•Solution: List objections and turn them into “What is the best
way to...” questions; create a plan to tackle them.
Innovation barriers and how to overcome ?
3.Knowledge Barrier – Overconfidence in Existing Know-How
•Innovators may not realize what they don’t know, limiting
their creativity.
•Solution: Assume a solution exists and seek outside
perspectives using tools like Open Innovation or
Crowdsourcing.
4.Regulation Barrier (You mustn’t do that)
•Fear of breaking rules or market norms stifles creativity.
•Solution: Question the rules-ask “Why not?” and be open to
challenging assumptions.
Innovation barriers and how to overcome ?
5.Contradiction Barrier (stop!)
•Strong leadership can turn rigid, resisting change even when
needed.
•Solution: Stay flexible, avoid early commitment to one idea,
and embrace uncertainty as part of innovation.
