1. Qualities of an Innovator Qualities of an Innovator
Challenges status quo: Curious: Actively explores their
Dissatisfied with current reality. environment. Investigates new
Questions authority and routine. possibilities. Honors their sense of
Confronts assumptions. awe and wonder.
© Mitch Ditkoff, 2004 http://ideachampions.com © Mitch Ditkoff, 2004 http://ideachampions.com
Qualities of an Innovator Qualities of an Innovator
Self-motivated: Responds to deep Visionary: Highly imaginative.
inner needs. Proactively initiates Maintains a future orientation. Thinks
new projects. Intrinsically rewarded in mental pictures.
for efforts.
© Mitch Ditkoff, 2004 http://ideachampions.com © Mitch Ditkoff, 2004 http://ideachampions.com
Qualities of an Innovator Qualities of an Innovator
Entertains the fantastic: Conjures Takes risks: Goes beyond their
outrageous scenarios. Sees comfort zone. Experimental and non-
possibilities within the seemingly conforming. Courageously willing to
impossible. Honors dreams and "fail" (but learns from feedback).
daydreams.
© Mitch Ditkoff, 2004 http://ideachampions.com © Mitch Ditkoff, 2004 http://ideachampions.com
Qualities of an Innovator Qualities of an Innovator
Peripatetic: Changes work Playful & humorous: Appreciates
environments as needed. Wanders, incongruities and surprise. Able to
walks or travels to inspire fresh appear foolish and child-like. Laughs
thinking. Given to movement and easily and often.
interaction.
From Mitch Ditkoff, http://ideachampions.com
© Mitch Ditkoff, 2004 http://ideachampions.com © Mitch Ditkoff, 2004 http://ideachampions.com
Qualities of an Innovator Qualities of an Innovator
Self-accepting: Withholds Makes new connections: Sees
compulsive criticism of their own relationships between seemingly
ideas. Understands "perfection is the disconnected elements. Synthesizes
enemy of the good." Unattached to new combinations. Distills odd ideas
looking good in the eyes of others. down to their underlying principles.
© Mitch Ditkoff, 2004 http://ideachampions.com © Mitch Ditkoff, 2004 http://ideachampions.com

2. Qualities of an Innovator Qualities of an Innovator
Reflective: Incubates on problems Recognizes Patterns: Perceptive
and challenges. Seeks out states of and discriminating. Notices
immersion. Ponders, muses and organizing principles & trends. Sees
contemplates. (and challenges) the Big Picture.
© Mitch Ditkoff, 2004 http://ideachampions.com © Mitch Ditkoff, 2004 http://ideachampions.com
Qualities of an Innovator Qualities of an Innovator
Tolerates ambiguity: Comfortable Committed to learning:
with chaos. Able to entertain Continually seeks knowledge.
paradox. Doesn't settle for the first Synthesizes new input quickly.
"right idea." Balances info gathering and action.
© Mitch Ditkoff, 2004 http://ideachampions.com © Mitch Ditkoff, 2004 http://ideachampions.com
Qualities of an Innovator Qualities of an Innovator
Balances intuition and analysis: Situationally collaborative:
Alternates between divergent and Balances rugged individualism with
convergent thinking. Entertains political savvy. Open to coaching and
hunches before analyzing them. input. Rallies support as needed.
Trusts their gut, uses their head.
© Mitch Ditkoff, 2004 http://ideachampions.com © Mitch Ditkoff, 2004 http://ideachampions.com
Qualities of an Innovator Qualities of an Innovator
Formally articulate:
Resilient: Bounces back from
Communicates ideas effectively.
disappointment. Learns quickly from
Translates abstract concepts into
feedback. Willing to "try, try again."
meaningful language. Creates
prototypes with ease.
From Mitch Ditkoff, http://ideachampions.com
© Mitch Ditkoff, 2004 http://ideachampions.com © Mitch Ditkoff, 2004 http://ideachampions.com
Qualities of an Innovator Qualities of an Innovator
Persevering: Hardworking and Flexible/adaptive: Open to
persistent. Champions new ideas serendipity and change. Able to
with tenacity. Committed to follow- adjust game plan as needed.
through and bottom-line results. Entertains multiple ideas & solutions.
© Mitch Ditkoff, 2004 http://ideachampions.com © Mitch Ditkoff, 2004 http://ideachampions.com