Discovery vs. Delivery Skills: Why Most Executives Struggle With Change

Many large organizations stall because their leaders, while exceptional at execution, struggle with discovery. Research shows high-profile entrepreneurs consistently score in the top percentiles for creativity behaviors but are average at delivery skills—while most senior executives show the opposite profile. Business schools—and even most team cultures—promote efficiency, planning, and discipline at the expense of bold exploration.

The most innovative teams and projects, however, blend creative discoverers with skilled deliverers. Even industry titans like eBay’s Pierre Omidyar recognized this, bringing in partners who excelled at implementing his creative visions. A mismatch often arises: companies value delivery until old models no longer work, then scramble for new ideas—often too late. Sustainable innovation happens when organizations and individuals acknowledge their biases and intentionally create environments and teams where both discovery and delivery coexist.

Balancing these skills isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s crucial for lifelong success. The best innovators know when to push boundaries and when to button up. The smartest teams distribute talent so everyone’s at their best, and no key skill is left behind.

List your last few projects, and be honest: were you driving change, or keeping things humming? Pinpoint your strength and where you might coast. Seek out a buddy or teammate who complements your approach—whether you need more structure or a nudge to challenge the status quo. Make a small but deliberate effort this week to practice your weaker skill; skim a book on creativity, or try out a project management tool. Diversifying your skill set ensures you won’t just dream big—you’ll deliver real, enduring results.