Innovative thinkers have many traits and abilities in common, thanks to equal parts education, inspiration, and plenty of practice. Innovative thinkers:

• are empowered to think outside their academic or experiential silos
• are intensely collaborative, empathetic, and can make things real in the world
• understand that human and business needs drive innovation
• see relationships and connections that are vital to understanding the big picture
• are prepared to succeed in a rapidly changing world

Read it and leap

• The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference, Malcolm Gladwell, 2002
• Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking, Malcolm Gladwell, 2007
• A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future, Daniel Pink, 2006
• The Art of Innovation: Lessons in Creativity from IDEO, America’s Leading Design Firm, Tom Kelley, 2001