The Innovator's DNA

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

A new classic, cited by leaders and media around the globe as a highly recommended read for anyone interested in innovation.

In The Innovator's DNA , authors Jeffrey Dyer, Hal Gregersen, and bestselling author Clayton Christensen ( The Innovator's Dilemma , The Innovator's Solution , How Will You Measure Your Life? ) build on what we know about disruptive innovation to show how individuals can develop the skills necessary to move progressively from idea to impact.

By identifying behaviors of the world's best innovators--from leaders at Amazon and Apple to those at Google, Skype, and Virgin Group--the authors outline five discovery skills that distinguish innovative entrepreneurs and executives from ordinary managers: Associating, Questioning, Observing, Networking, and Experimenting.

Once you master these competencies (the authors provide a self-assessment for rating your own innovator's DNA), the authors explain how to generate ideas, collaborate to implement them, and build innovation skills throughout the organization to result in a competitive edge. This innovation advantage will translate into a premium in your company's stock price--an innovation premium--which is possible only by building the code for innovation right into your organization's people, processes, and guiding philosophies.

Practical and provocative, The Innovator's DNA is an essential resource for individuals and teams who want to strengthen their innovative prowess.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Introduction (p. 1)
• Part 1 Disruptive Innovation Starts with You
• 1 The DNA of Disruptive Innovators (p. 17)
• 2 Discovery Skill #1: Associating (p. 41)
• 3 Discovery Skill #2: Questioning (p. 65)
• 4 Discovery Skill #3: Observing (p. 89)
• 5 Discovery Skill #4: Networking (p. 113)
• 6 Discovery Skill #5: Experimenting (p. 133)
• Part 2 The DNA of Disruptive Organizations and Teams
• 7 The DNA of the World's Most Innovative Companies (p. 157)
• 8 Putting the Innovator's DNA into Practice: People (p. 175)
• 9 Putting the Innovator's DNA into Practice: Processes (p. 193)
• 10 Putting the Innovator's DNA into Practice: Philosophies (p. 215)
• Conclusion: Act Different, Think Different, Make a Difference (p. 235)
• Appendix A Sample of Innovators Interviewed (p. 241)
• Appendix B The Innovator's DNA Research Methods (p. 245)
• Appendix C Developing Discovery Skills (p. 249)
• Notes (p. 261)
• Index (p. 269)
• Acknowledgments (p. 283)
• About the Authors (p. 295)

Excerpt provided by Syndetics

Excerpted from The Innovator's DNA: Mastering the Five Skills of Disruptive Innovators by Jeff Dyer, Hal Gregersen, Clayton M. Christensen All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Prominent academics Dyer, Gregersen, and Christensen (author of several books on innovation, including Disrupting Class, CH, Feb'09, 46-3377) provide very helpful information on the basic building blocks for becoming more innovative. They detail actionable "tips" on how to improve on the five key skills related to innovation: associational thinking, questioning, observing, networking, and experimenting. The authors effectively show that these five skills are integral to generating innovative ideas. Challenging the status quo in positive ways and having the courage to take risks are shown to be characteristics of very innovative people. Guiding readers to become more innovative and impactful, this truly helpful book will assist managers and anyone else who wants to better engage their skills and thinking and create disruptive innovations. Through numerous examples of innovative people and companies, the authors inspire readers to make a positive impact through innovation. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readership levels. J. J. Bailey University of Idaho