How creative would you rate yourself and your team? In a World Economic Forum survey, more than 70% of companies say creative thinking is the most in-demand skill this year. Creativity naturally leads to innovation. When you’re open to exploring new approaches, you can begin to generate original ideas and solve problems in fresh ways.
Bonnie Monych, a performance specialist for Insperity, says innovation is what sets OK companies apart from exceptional companies. She says cultivating a team of innovators is the best growth strategy.
We share her ideas on how to nurture more innovation at your promo company in this issue of PromoPro Daily.
Create opportunities for sharing ideas. Do your team members feel excited to share their thoughts? Or do they feel embarrassed or hesitant to ask questions? Your goal should be to create an environment where people feel empowered to share their ideas, Monych says.
Give your team the right resources. Everyone needs the time, budget and encouragement to innovate. According to Monych, time is usually the resource that’s lacking. Give your staff members time to brainstorm, research, test and recalibrate. You can’t innovate if you don’t have the time.
Promote freedom and flexibility. When possible, let your employees work in the style that suits them best. If they’re allowed to work at a time, place and pace that’s best for them, Monych says they’re more likely to feel valued and be more engaged in their work. This opens the door to more creativity and innovation.
Grow a diverse team. Innovation requires a variety of ideas. Always try to hire people with varied skills and experiences. Monych also recommends encouraging your team members to brush up on their professional development and stay current on what’s happening in the industry.
Work to individual strengths. This is one of the best ways to enhance employees’ innovation. Find the right people for each task, even if it’s different than the job description. Monych says it’s about productivity and where their skills fit best.
Bring out the best in your team by encouraging more innovation. Make it OK to share ideas and ensure your team members have the time and resources they need to contribute their best ideas. Grow their promo skills with education and align employees’ skills with their responsibilities. It takes time and effort, but you can build a team of true promo innovators.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Bonnie Monych is a performance specialist for Insperity. She has more than 25 years of experience in areas including strategic planning, leadership development and mentoring.
