101: FOSTERING CREATIVITY
Encouraging employees to think creatively is more than just a feel-good, nice thing to do. It's a solid business practice that can improve your bottom line and help your teams work together more effectively. Here are three ways to get you and your team members thinking on a broad scale when it comes to solutions and strategies.
Don't talk about it. That's right, don't. A direct turnaround of the usual way of approaching communication may seem counterintuitive, but the way you come at a problem can impact its outcome. At your next team meeting, cover the wall with large pieces of paper. An article at SkillsYouNeed.com recommends that the group draw the current situation, with its ideal future on the other side. “Next, draw a large semi-circular bridge between the current and future sides, and ask the group to draw what needs to happen to move from one side to the other,” the article suggests. Removing words may open up possibilities.
Don't immediately shoot down an idea. Leaders shouldn't give their opinion until last, and even then, should give three positives before the negative, says Lydia Dallett at BusinessInsider.com. “This will challenge you to think outside the box and model effective, creative brainstorming for your team,” she writes.
Create a safe space for ideas. Ensure colleagues, especially younger ones, feel comfortable sharing their ideas. Perhaps this means occasionally meeting with them separately. Keep the meeting moving along with equal participation. Heather Zynczak of FastCompany.com has this idea: “Everyone is given 10 pieces of paper and 10 minutes to create ad material for a specific topic. Then present everyone's concepts in less than 10 minutes,” to be sure every voice is heard.
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