In the rapidly changing world today, it is crucial for organizations to be innovative in order to stay competitive in the market and ensure continued success.

This need for innovation has brought on a requirement for leaders who are capable of influencing and inspiring creative efforts.

Without innovation leadership, it is difficult for modern organizations to survive in the dynamic marketplace. The following are the key characteristics of innovation leadership.

1. Risk tolerance

Innovation is synonymous with creativity. And free-flowing creativity involves a great deal of risk. An innovation leader has high risk tolerance, and has the uncanny knack to consider all possible eventualities to make well-calculated bets that often pay off.

2. Domain expertise

Innovation leaders are typically required in technology oriented industries that advance rapidly. They must have the required domain expertise to communicate effectively with their team, convey a unified vision, understand the inherent risks and advantages of a creative idea, and also to command respect from the team.

3. Openness

When team members come up with a new idea, innovation leaders are receptive and are completely open to exploring the idea. This openness to new ideas, even radical ones, significantly contributes to the creation of a highly innovative climate in the organization.

4. Low anxiety

A person who is chronically stressed and feels anxious about every little thing will not succeed in a creative and innovative environment. Anxiety is contagious, especially if it comes from a leader. Innovation leaders are typically low on anxiety. This helps them create an environment where people feel comfortable and secure, rather than anxious and threatened.

5. Emotional stability

An innovation leader is grounded and has their emotions under control. Huge swings from an elated mood to depression, and then back to elation is not conducive to a workplace that is bustling with ideas. Ideally, an innovation leader is wired to be happy and positive, so they will do what is required to maintain a similar stable environment in the workplace.

6. Confidence In swiftly changing fields, the job comes with the requirement of constantly exploring the unknown. It is only natural to feel anxious about stepping into new and unknown territories. But it is necessary to explore the unknown to identify new opportunities. An innovation leader has the confidence in their ability to succeed, and holds the belief that the outcomes are likely to be positive even in the face of unknown risks.