You can help your organization to be innovative by fostering a culture in which everyone is encouraged to come up with and submit their ideas. First, help your people understand the importance of innovation to both them and the company. Then, let them know you want to hear their ideas. These are the first steps toward improving creativity within your organization. Here are some do’s and don’ts for you to consider:
Do create a diverse team
Your attempts to come up with innovative solutions will likely fall short if you build your team from workers who are like-minded (and think as you do!). Creativity flourishes when a group of individuals get together and share a variety of skills, strengths and personalities. Encourage an assortment of opinions and vigorous debates. Permit them to fail and seize the opportunity to learn from their mistakes. And as soon as the brainstorming begins, you should back away so as not to influence the discussions.
Don’t stifle your team with unnecessary limits
When you start a new project or initiative, supply your team with everything they need and move out of their way. Putting restrictions on them will kill their motivation and keep their creativity from emerging naturally.
Do supply some direction
Give the team necessary boundaries and a goal. In other words, provide them with the “why” and let them come up with the “how.” Find out what your employees need from you, and check in with them from time to time to see how things are going. Other than that, let them know you’re always available to give them support if they need it.
Do observe them, but don’t micromanage
It’s your responsibility to observe and check on your team’s progress, but micromanaging is interference that will choke off the team’s creativity. Allow them to use their skills without restraint and without you peeking over their shoulders.
Do allow some of the brainstorming to be done in private
Not all your team members will be comfortable speaking up in meetings. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have good ideas. If you allow some time for individual brainstorming, you will be giving these introverted types an opportunity to contribute on a level playing field. At the same time, you’ll be keeping the more assertive members from aggressively lobbying for their ideas.
Let us help you build your team with today’s top talent
Contact Pro Talent Group, one of Indiana’s fastest-growing minority- and woman-owned businesses. We have provided opportunities for contingent employees through our offices in Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky. And we can make direct hire placements in engineering, manufacturing and administrative positions nationwide.
