Creativity is something I see all around us and the generations that are coming forth seem to have an extra dose of it. When you watch You Tube videos and Instagram posts, music and sports, projects and apps, fashion and technology, one can see how encouraging creativity is a vital aspect within our workplaces.
You might have strategies you know and are comfortable with or your go-to methods of problem solving. The trouble is, this mode of operating day-in and day-out leaves us with very little room to grow and expand.
So, how can you branch out and try new things without too much stress or confusion? Here are several tips for encouraging creativity.
Embrace Learning. Attend workshops, trainings or seminars that highlight innovations in your field which can help keep you remain current on new methodologies and techniques that you may want to implement with your team.
Encourage collaboration. Every one of your team members has something great to contribute to the big picture. That's why you hired them! Have regular collaborative sessions to allow them the opportunity to voice new ideas. They may have some creative approaches to a task that you've never considered and it helps them feel valued - win win!
Consider flexible office operations. Providing freedom and flexibility in how work gets done inspires creativity in your team. Every individual has their own way of working that is best for them, and the last generation showed us that micromanagement doesn't cultivate a healthy workplace environment. Innovative leaders are leaning more and more toward fewer hours spent in a cubicle. A recent study by Canada Life indicates that 77% of employees are more productive due to flexible working conditions. if possible, consider offering flex-time, a more communal work space, or occasional days when employees work from home (which is already happening due to the spread of the coronavirus).
Be willing to take a risk. New ideas can reap big rewards, but especially when we are breaking out of old comfort zones, it can be scary to throw caution to the wind. Be a catalyst and shake things up. It demonstrates confidence in your team and cultivates a boldness and creativity in your workplace.
Creative thinking can keep things fresh and vibrant in the workplace which can lead to exciting results that you may not have considered before. Great leaders will motivate their team to be creative and constantly growing toward new opportunities and success.
COACHING QUESTIONS for you to consider:
- How can you encourage collaboration?
- What is one new idea you've wanted to try, but feel is too risky? What might happen?
- What would a flexible office operation look like to you?
