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It’s no secret that today organisations need to cope with increasingly complex organisational issues.
New issues that we’ve never faced before requiring employees with unique and innovative thinking to solve these issues.
In most businesses, it’s the leader who often has to solve all the workplace problems.
However, by fostering a creative workgroup environment, employees are eager to think outside the box and solve problems on their own.
This produces an even richer selection of creative ideas and allows the organisation to run more effectively.
Here are some things that are sure to foster creativity in your workplace!
Constantly encourage staff to seek new knowledge and new ways to do things.
Support them to attend learning and development events.
Modelling the habits of curiosity and observation will help to refill their creative pool.
Match people with new experiences that will challenge them intellectually.
The content mustn’t be too challenging or employees may feel overwhelmed.
The right amount of critical thinking enhances creativity as it not only supports expertise but also fuels their intrinsic motivation.
A fun and playful group work environment is the most effective way to channel creativity.
Leaders must be careful to balance the atmosphere by fostering mutual trust, respect and commitment to be the norm.
Engage fresh eyes.
Provide opportunities for different teams to interact when brainstorming ideas and solutions to problems.
Getting a mix of team members from diverse backgrounds and experiences will bring to enhance creative and critical thinking.
Although homogenous teams may argue less, they are often found to be less creative.
The most influential step a leader can take is to develop a ‘safe’ atmosphere that encourages people to think freely.
Allow employees to challenge and disagree with the ideas of the leader. When employees don’t feel safe to share their opposing opinions, it will only lead to employees parroting amongst each other.
Positively reinforcing creative work through public praise will also help to encourage creative thinking.
Research shows that when one engages in creative thinking, they become better at it over time. Ideas produce more ideas.
Commitment and application of these tips are essential ingredients for developing a creative workforce!
Human Resources for Consulting Small and Medium Businesses in Adelaide and South Australia. Simple, and tailored advice, what you need and not what you don’t.