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We have many misconceptions about innovators, doubtless because we hear about their spectacular advances when they become famous. But keep in mind they were once not famous-- just like us!
Another misconception is that they are certain types of "genius" people. I would argue that this is not true either. They do a certain type of thinking. What is that thinking? It is questioning assumptions, the lurking reasons beneath everyday reasoning. For instance, if someone had suggested 12 years ago that millions of people would like to rent out their homes to strangers, they would have been laughed at. But the founders of Airbnb questioned the assumption that people would be afraid to do rent out their homes and that visitors would rather stay in predictable hotels or bed and breakfasts. By questioning this, they innovated and now dominate the hospitality market. Examples of this abound in the physical sciences (relativity,evolution) and behavioral sciences (economics, psychology), as well as with our day-to-day products. We forget that the microwave and dishwasher were once big innovations and met with considerable skepticism. Examples of recent workplace innovations you might want to champion in your workplace:
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