Success Begins with Creativity and Innovation
The central role that innovation plays in success is widely acknowledged. Transferring that realization into implementation, though, often becomes the stumbling block. The problem is that organizations focus on having a “plan to promote creativity” rather than a focus on innovation itself. The key is to appreciate creativity and innovation as products of human intelligence and talent.
Research shows that most individuals see creativity as the foundation of economic progress. Amazingly, it also revealed that only about a quarter believe that they fully use their own creative faculties. Moreover, just 1 in 20 executives feels that their teams are living up to their creative potential. There are two primary reasons for this behavior.
- Self-Preservation
A significant factor in any individual’s reluctance to test the bounds is psychological safety. The essential fear is that those who are especially productive or contribute more than their fair share are targets for increased scrutiny, criticism, or resentment from their peers.
The solution: Help talented team members overcome this fear by driving their participation yourself. Infuse a new brand of revolutionary thinking into your processes by encouraging debate through healthy conflict. Demonstrate to them that ideas which seem outrageous initially can be transformed into viable pathways of the future. And don’t underestimate the value of leading by example. It is not enough to simply tell them to “Think outside the box” if they perceive a reluctance in you to do the same.
- Lack of Support
Your encouragement is not always enough to convince everyone with creative solutions to speak up. Sometimes, individuals fail to appreciate their own ability to generate new ideas of intrinsic value. Here, the responsibility lies on you as a leader to identify individuals who are not fulfilling their creative potential.
The solution: Overcoming this barrier goes beyond simply asking for their input. It should involve nurturing their creativity as a mentor, allowing and encouraging mistakes from which to learn, and fostering a culture of discovery.
Revisit your creativity sessions to identify barriers that work against the open exchange of ideas, which is essential for inspiration. In an ecosystem marked by less regulation and bureaucratic control, the mind is free to explore imaginative solutions. Leaders who can short circuit the traditional approach to new ideas inject excitement and create a workplace of limitless possibilities. These strategies are not difficult to implement; they simply require a sustained effort on your part.
Need more ideas to promote creativity in the workplace? Please don’t hesitate to contact us at DeSantis Trusted Advisors.
