Innovators and Anti-Innovators In The Digital Era: The Persecution of The Innovative By The Less Innovative

In this article the stage is set for storytelling, ethnographic narratives, and a look at the literature on innovators and anti-innovators. Envy is seen to be a central element in the discussion. Political skills, on the other hand, may diminish the negative effects which may have ensued, implemented by insecure leaders in view of subordinates with leadership potential. Hence, leadership, and national culture, as well as organizational culture play an essential role in the innovativeness of organizations. Extremely creative individuals – essential in the global marketplace – may be ostracized by co-workers who feel that they lack in abilities, by direct comparison. Being clever (or having a high intelligence quotient – IQ – being able to reason and solve diverse types of problems) in itself has no effect on political ability. Knowledge of oneself (capabilities and personality) is essential in combatting anti-innovators (note that one may change and improve, by learning, over time). Emotional intelligence (ability to self-manage oneself, emotionally, including how one communicates and empathizes with others), not surprisingly, is very important. Finally, showing and feeling anxious is bad in the fight against anti-innovators.