Developing yourself as an Innovator

Innovation involves creating something new or improving something that existed by enhancing it with a better solution that will fit in the marketing needs. Change tends to include more of implementation of procedures and practices, which can be solved technically or scientifically. For one to be an innovator their specific characteristics that one should possess that stand out in their daily lives. One of my strengths in innovation is that I am good at analyzing situations as they display. A different situation occurs due to specific trends that happen in our daily lives and understanding the whys and how it happens gives an idea of what is needed. Evaluation of a problem provides insight into the gaps that people need to fill and remove. As an innovator, it is a recommendation that one should investigate more than what meets the eye. Asking questions is also a trait that I have used as an innovator because it shed more light on the current situation and helps in probing the “what if’s” questions. For instance, Tuzovic, Wirtz, and Heracleous (2018) assert that asking question helps in prioritizing the essential facts that should help in the implementation of the project. 

As an innovator, I have some weakness that hinders in my drive to become a successful innovator in the future. Some of this weakness include my fear to ask a question because it may give my colleagues ideas that I may be disagreeing on their project. Another area that needs improvement is self-criticism, which causes self-doubt where I end not sharing my ideas to others for fear that it may not be good enough. As a way to curb my weakness in becoming a successful innovator, I should embark on identifying the needed actions that will help fight my shortcomings. Such measures include not fearing to fail but instead developing an attitude of fearlessness. Step two is to give ideas without fear of criticism, and if ambushed, I should confidently support my opinions without a doubt. Step three is to have self-motivation and self-focus by ensuring that I continuously improve my creative thinking abilities. By implementing the above actions, it will help in strengthening my skill as an innovator. 

Reference

Tuzovic, S., Wirtz, J., & Heracleous, L. (2018). How do innovators stay innovative? A longitudinal case analysis.  Journal of Services Marketing ,  32 (1), 34-45.