How to innovate as a leader comes down to one thing: behavior. Encouraging innovation from the top requires executives to lead with curiosity, push for diverse thinking, and build a structure that supports experimentation. You do not need to be born with a Steve Jobs-like instinct. The most effective innovators behave in specific ways, and those behaviors can be developed.
In a study of over 100 successful innovators, researchers found consistent patterns. These individuals constantly question assumptions, observe the world like anthropologists, and seek input from people outside their bubble. They are not afraid to run small, fast, low-cost experiments. This daily discipline of discovery helps them build better, less risky ideas. Innovation, at this level, is not about creativity for its own sake. It is about uncovering insights that can lead to real business impact.
That said, most disruptive thinkers are not built for execution. They often struggle with implementation and delivery. What works is combining these idea-driven people with others who are operationally focused. The best results come from pairing innovators with doers, forming leadership teams that can both generate and scale ideas.
One strong example is Natura, a Brazilian cosmetics company. It rose to the top of a global innovation list, outperforming faster industries like tech and semiconductors. Their edge? A trio of co-CEOs with different strengths who value profit, people, and the planet. They mobilize employees to find sustainable ingredients across Brazil, partner with local communities, and deliver products customers value. This kind of success is the result of deliberate team structure and leadership behavior.
Takeaways:
- Innovation is a behavior, not a personality trait
- Effective leaders ask bold questions, observe closely, and welcome diverse perspectives
- The best ideas come from active discovery, not passive brainstorming
- Most innovators need operational partners to bring ideas to life
- Diverse, collaborative leadership drives meaningful innovation in any industry
