Kirton (1994) says, "Adaptors prefer to create change by improving on the existing structure and favor staying in groups. In addition, they maintain cohesion by following the accepted ways and prefer to solve problems in a disciplined, methodical, and predictable manner. On the other hand, innovators often come up with many new and practical ideas and are risk-oriented. They prefer to stay as individuals and create change by altering the existing paradigm." Maybe a mixture of innovators and adapters is the best for achieving diversity in thought. Can the two co-exist? If so, do you believe the innovator would be more prone to taking a role as the leader of a team?

References

Kirton, M. J. (1976). Adaptors and innovators: A description and measure.Journal of Applied Psychology, 61(5), 622-629.

Kirton, M. J. (1994). A theory of cognitive style. In M. J. Kirton (Ed.), Adaptors and innovators: Styles of creativity and problem-solving (pp. 1-33). London: Routledge.