Innovate on Purpose: Thinkers versus Doers

In many firms, innovation requires a balance of two types of people: Thinkers and Doers. Thinkers are creative types who experiment with new ideas and concepts, while Doers are efficient and optimize existing processes. It is essential for firms to have a mix of both to be effective, and to bridge the gap between them. For example, a creative agency may have impressive Creative Directors, but there are also people responsible for implementing those concepts effectively. Bringing a Thinker into each product group or business process can create creative tension and real results, but it's crucial to have a balance and understand how to compensate and motivate both types of employees.