The 9 traits of an Innovative Leader

- By Sairam Bollapragada

With the #dynamism that has engulfed our lives with the pandemic, the war, the recession, the great resignation, the shortage of skills, etc in the past few years, it is more compelling now for #leaders to be far more #innovative than ever.

Innovation is an important aspect of leadership as innovative leaders can bring fresh and creative ideas to the table. They are able to think outside the box and come up with new solutions to problems – internal and external.

There are several key traits that are commonly associated with Innovative leaders. Some of the most important ones include:

1.     #Vision: Innovative leaders have a clear and compelling vision for innovation that inspires and motivates others.

2.     #Creativity: Innovative leaders are able to generate and stimulate creative ideas and approaches.

3.     #Risk-taking: Innovative leaders are willing to support employees who are willing to take calculated risks in pursuit of new ideas.

4.     #Collaboration: Innovative leaders encourage collaboration and communication among team members, as this can stimulate new ideas and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise.

5.     #Adaptability: Innovative leaders are able to adapt to changing circumstances and embrace new ideas and approaches.

6.     #Resource allocation: Innovative leaders allocate the necessary resources, such as funding, time, and personnel, to support innovation efforts.

7.     #Communication skills: Innovative leaders have strong communication skills and are able to effectively share their vision and ideas with others.

8.     #Problem-solving: Innovative leaders are able to identify and solve problems, and they are able to think strategically and creatively to find solutions.

9.     #Motivation: Innovative leaders are able to inspire and motivate others to think creatively and take risks.

Hence, innovative leaders must possess a combination of these and other traits, including strong leadership skills and the ability to create and forge a culture of innovation within an organization.

By cultivating these #qualities, leaders can create an environment that is conducive to innovation and support the development of new ideas and approaches. It helps the overall growth of the workforce and as a whole, the team emerges stronger to compete in the marketplace.

In the sequel to this, I intend to bring in the specifics of each of the traits...pls stay tuned....