“How do I find innovative people for my organization? And how can I become more innovative myself?” These are questions that stump senior executives, who understand that the ability to innovate is the “secret sauce” of business success.

In searching for answers, we undertook an in-depth study to uncover the origins of creative—and often disruptive—business strategies in the world’s most innovative companies. We studied the habits of fifty innovative leaders and surveyed more than 25,000 executives and 2,500 entrepreneurs in more than seventy-five countries who had started innovative companies or invented new products, processes, and services.

We found that innovators must consistently act different to think different. By understanding, reinforcing, and modeling the innovator’s DNA, companies can find ways to more successfully develop the creative spark in everyone.