You can tell your team about the importance of innovation. But the best way to boost creativity is to actually show others how you spark breakthroughs.
Model the kind of behavior that spurs creativity and prudent risk-taking. Encourage the free-flowing sharing of ideas. And create an environment where everyone feels comfortable chiming in.
"Build a culture of safety and trust," said Anne Jacoby, author of "Born To Create." "If people are worried that their boss will laugh at them, that's a creativity killer."
As the leader, you need to set an example. How? Pose hypothetical questions ("What if we…?"). Toss around half-formed ideas to boost creativity. Set the stage for the team to explore wide-ranging possibilities and test potential solutions.
To encourage innovative thinking, maintain a steady flow of suggestions. Then challenge the group to build on those suggestions. How can you harness creativity to produce results?
Respond, Don't Ignore, To Boost Creativity
When employees propose ideas, respond. If you ignore them, you signal that you don't treat them seriously.
If you think the idea has some merit, run small experiments to learn more. Instruct the group to set up a pilot project.
"Find ways for the team to mold the idea and fine-tune it," said Jacoby, chief executive of Spring Street Solutions, a Los Angeles-based workplace culture consultancy.
If you're not keen on the idea, don't dismiss it outright. Label it "not yet" and revisit it later.
"That way, you pay respect to the creative process and you affirm" employees who are willing to think outside the box, Jacoby says.
Boost Creativity And Give Options
Make it easy for the group to offer ideas. Some people prefer to put their thoughts in writing; others like to brainstorm in meetings.
"Create different channels to come up with ideas," Jacoby said. Examples include suggestion boxes, group retreats and internal wiki platforms where employees across the organization use collaboration software to build on each other's input and insight.
Use Props To Prompt Innovation
The simplest objects can spark lively discussion about how to innovate and improve. Example: Passing around a cheap pocket calculator at a meeting might lead the group to realize the value of taking vast computing power and packaging it in a user-friendly device.
"Bring in artifacts to stimulate creative thinking," Jacoby said.
Eye-catching logos or symbols can work well too. She cites a company that gives each remote worker a neon orange sign to reinforce its brand.
"They all have this sign in the background during Zoom meetings," she said. "It makes them feel more connected to the company" so that they're more eager to open up and share ideas.
Tell Stories To Boost Creativity
Share your experience of offering seemingly wild and crazy ideas that didn't pan out. Let employees know that such stabs at innovation didn't hurt your career.
"Anyone who offers an idea is making themselves feel vulnerable," said Joe Hart, president and chief executive of New York City-based Dale Carnegie Training. "The leader has to reduce that fear," and modeling vulnerability helps everyone feel comfortable pursuing innovation.
Withhold Snap Judgments
When you hear an idea, it's tempting to render an instant verdict. But rushing to judge what you hear can stifle the creative process.
"If you have an opinion on an employee's idea, express it in a way that's respectful," Hart said. Don't give it a thumbs-up or thumbs-down; instead, thank the person and follow up with questions to flesh out the idea.
"And if others make fun of the person who shared the idea or try to shut it down, don't let them," he added. "Respond by saying, 'Let's hear this out.'"
