Innovators are characterized by high openness to new ideas, which means they are receptive to a variety of concepts across different categories, not just one.

While being open is essential, it is not enough; innovators also need a high level of conscientiousness, which involves a strong commitment to applying themselves over many years to achieve significant accomplishments.

The narrative around innovators often overlooks the years of hard work they put in, focusing instead on moments of sudden inspiration, but true innovation typically requires sustained effort and a willingness to defer gratification.

There are few individuals who possess both high openness and high conscientiousness, as these traits can be somewhat opposed, making it rare to find someone who embodies both.

Innovators also need to be high in disagreeableness, which allows them to withstand criticism and pursue their ideas despite opposition, as overly agreeable individuals may be easily dissuaded.

Additionally, a high IQ is crucial for innovators, as the ability to synthesize large amounts of information quickly is essential for effective innovation.

Overall, successful innovators typically exhibit a combination of rare traits, including high openness, conscientiousness, disagreeableness, and intelligence, while also being relatively low in neuroticism to handle stress effectively.