Creating an Environment that Stimulates New Ideas
Build a better mousetrap, and the world will beat a path to your door. Come up with a new way of doing something more efficiently or delivering better value than a traditionally accepted method or practice, and your innovation can make you successful.
When software developers create a new program, they always continue to work on it. Even if their creation is a huge hit and wildly successful, they continue to work on improvements. That's why you will see versions 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 2.0, and so on. Innovation continues to make good enough great.
Innovation seldom exists in a strict, stifling work environment. Here are a few tips for creating a workplace culture and workspace that fosters innovative thinking and new ideas.
Promote Diversity and Self-Expression
Do all the cubicles and offices in your office space look the same? Is there a dress code that dictates what you can and can't wear at work? Are ancient standard operating procedures and systems enforced? While many accepted business standards are implemented to bolster productivity, they can breed inefficiency and resentment.
It is challenging to get new ideas from old establishments.
Tradition often kills creativity. Uniformity stifles innovation.
Build a diverse workplace. Allow for self-expression. Create a physical environment and atmosphere that allows everyone to embrace their uniqueness. Encourage individualism in workplaces and collaborative efforts.
Preach and Enforce Psychological Safety
Individuals should feel that they can speak their minds and share new ideas. That doesn't happen in an environment of judgment. An employee might have a groundbreaking method that can solve a big problem for a company. She may keep silent if she feels there may be repercussions for her introducing an innovative and alternative way of thinking.
Her creativity suffers, and so does the company.
Develop and communicate rules that support open discussions. Employees need to understand they have a safe place to share their ideas.
Prioritize Physical and Mental Well-Being
Stifle burnout by ensuring employees don't burn the midnight oil at work. Provide self-care and wellness resources. Educate employees on the importance of regular physical activity and a healthy diet. Remove the traditional pizza, donuts, baked goods, and soft drinks from team meetings and offer more nutritious alternatives.
Encourage workers to talk about their mental health concerns. Mental fatigue is the enemy of innovation. Prioritize well-being in mind and body for a more creative workforce.
Embrace the Belief That No Idea Is a Bad Idea
Let employees know that there is no such thing as a bad idea. Innovation only sometimes appears on the first effort. Host brainstorming sessions. Ask for quantity over quality. Get as many ideas as you can out in the open. The more voices you hear, the better your chances of experiencing a wonderfully new and effective solution.