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★★★★★ 5
An exceptional five stars out of five
Few qualities separate inordinately successful entrepreneurs from the rest of the pack than the ability to innovate. Many have debated whether individuals are born with this quality or whether it can be nurtured. In The Innovator's DNA, Jeff Dyer, Hal Gregersen and Clayton Christensen explain that while genetics play a role, innovation is most certainly a skill that can be learned.
In particular, the authors introduce and expound upon five "discovery skills" found in the leaders of some of the most innovative companies in the world: (1) associating, (2) questioning, (3) observing, (4) networking and (5) experimenting. Each discovery skill is accompanied by real-world examples and pragmatic exercises that make the book unusually valuable in an age where copious books on change, leadership and innovation overwhelm the already-overwhelmed executive.
I give The Innovator's DNA an exceptional five stars out of five. The authors present a very readable book and provide concrete exercises for developing innovative skills. Using the principles provided in the book, I created a folder on my computer that I call my "Innovation Room." I use this to track progress as I work through various exercises and as I take time to ponder about how to apply innovative solutions to extant problems in Utah. This book was and will continue to be useful to me, and is recommended as a must-read for those interested in adding rare innovative attributes to their arsenal of problem-solving and decision-making skills.
*NOTE: The preceding text is taken verbatim from my short book review printed in the June 2012 edition of Utah Business.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2013
