This is The Six ‘I’s of Innovation^®. A circular, not linear, map. Participating in or leading innovation is a journey; it has dead ends, long stretches of barren road and often just a vague sense of where to take the next step. It requires a complex raft of skills, mindsets and capabilities to make it happen, plus good timing and large doses of serendipity, coincidence and luck.

We need to develop curiosity so we can identify needs.

We need to develop creativity so we can ignite new ideas.

We need to develop critical thinking so we can investigate what we want to create.

We need to develop courage to invest in decisions when we do not know what the outcome may be.

We need to develop commitment to see things through, to implement and stand up in the face of disappointment.

We need to develop the ability to be clever, to improve and rapidly learn from failure.

It is The Six ‘I’s^®, working together in alignment and Purpose, that enables innovation to happen.

There is no such thing as one set of skills required to innovate. There are multiple skills needed.

There is no such thing as a culture of innovation. There are multiple cultures that are needed to make innovation flourish.

There is no such thing as one innovative mindset. There are multiple mindsets we need to cultivate in ourselves and others.

The important thing is to know what to deploy and when.

Harnessing diversity is the lifeblood of innovation.

So why, if it is so difficult, should we step out of our comfort zones and actively participate in or even be leaders of innovation?

If our current thinking is not going to help us solve the problems and challenges we currently face, then today is the day to start to challenge your own way of thinking.

When you finish this book, take out a piece of paper and draw three circles.

In one, write all the things that you think you are good at – your skills, your experiences, your talents.

In another, write your interests, your passions and what you most desire to see in the world. In the last circle, write the areas that you consider most significant and ready for innovation.

Is it science, education, religion and spirituality or politics, business, the arts or technology, health or media and entertainment, to name a few?

All of these are in constant flux and change; all of them need new thinking and people courageous enough to lead them into an unknown future.

Sense which one draws you in the most.

Within the intersection of these three circles lies your Purpose.

This is your sweet spot.

This is the place to start.

Yes, you can innovate.