The left side and the right side of the brain. Heard of it before right? One side helps with logic while the other helps more with creativity, but we are dominant in just one. How many people have you heard mumble that they are not creative? That they can’t be creative at all because they’re more numbers and logic. Sound familiar yet? While this may be somewhat true to their persona, everyone has at least an ounce of creativity; it is just about finding the right environment that promotes it.
Creativity Is Beneficial In The Workplace
Creative people reward themselves when they think outside of the box. Ever feel proud when you found a different way to solve a complicated issue, problem or task?
People who are encouraged to think creatively feel that same way.
They feel accomplished, but more importantly, they feel motivated to work towards being innovative. They are motivated to work harder when they don’t have to follow a routine.
How To Encourage Your Team’s Creativity
Remind them that free thinking is encouraged
This one is obvious right? Really, Marlene? That is what you came up with?
Yes. After speaking with an array of different employees, the majority believe that encouraging free thinking is understated.
Everyone is trained to act the same, think the same and work the same, so people are scared to act different because it is not encouraged. Just say it. Tell them that they don’t have to act like trained robots.
For example, we tend to get stuck in the motion of living each day exactly how we lived the day before.
I believe it is time to remind your employees that there are multiple methods to reach a common goal.
Let them know that it is okay to want to revolutionize their projects. It is okay to think big. It is okay to break the norm of how things get done at work.
When this is done, you will have curated a completely different business culture where you have the innovators, the dreamers, the free-minded individuals who will help move your business forward.
Try even starting a program that rewards those who failed on the quest to execute a creative idea. Show them that you value creative thinking and that you value failure.
Look at who you hire
When you hire the same people over and over again, the same ideas tend to come up. Pay attention to who you hire.
You might unconsciously be creating a non-diverse group of thinkers.
If your team thinks similar to one another, has the same backgrounds, qualifications or experience, chances are that you are limiting the stimulation of creativity and growth because everyone is like-minded.
Try asking new employees for ideas and input right off the bat. If you do this it will let them know that not every action is set in stone and they have the freedom to think and act differently.
Brainstorming groups
Encouraging brainstorming groups or having a brainstorming hour is a great idea that can help tremendously. It is amazing to see employees bounce their ideas back and forth from one another.
Create a challenge of the month or let them know of the top three topics you would like them to tackle.
Saying “Be creative,” is just too vague and does not stimulate a thought process.
Maybe even try switching up where you have your meetings because it removes them from their traditional setting. Sessions like these makes sure that time is allotted during the day to cultivate creative thoughts while making sure that they are being efficient at the same time.
Help the ideas flow through your workplace. Make it easier on your team members to be creative.
