Innovative thinking in the workplace
Fostering creative thinking at work comes with many benefits, not only does it help us improve processes and streamline operations, it fosters inclusion. Moreover, embracing creativity enhances employee engagement and satisfaction. When employees are encouraged to express their ideas, aren’t afraid of making mistakes and are involved in the decision-making process, they feel valued and motivated to contribute more effectively. At Kyocera, we refer to this as “The Extended Family” principle and it’s enshrined in our philosophy as "Management based on the bond of human minds" or, in simpler terms, cherishing a family-like relationship.
Benefits include:
- Innovation and Adaptability
- Continuous Learning
- Employee Engagement
- Problem-Solving
- Stronger Team Collaboration and,
- Resilient Leadership
So how can a company build a culture of creativity and innovation? Scott Cawood, author of the article 4 actions to create a culture of innovation suggests that innovative thinking can be boosted by:
1. Reframing the construct of “performance”
The traditional way of measuring performance is through a performance appraisal, a quarterly or annual review, however we should continually communicate, as this nurtures trust and encourages troubleshooting and creativity.
2. A perfectionist intervention
A common fear among employees is the perception that they must come across as perfect and knowing everything. But a growth culture is based on helping each other, continuously learning and trying new things, even at the risk of sometimes failing. Because mistakes offer us our biggest learnings.
3. Eradicating us vs. them thinking
Teams work best when there’s no room for blame or animosity. Building an environment of self-accountability and team work is the perfect way to have stronger team collaboration.
4. Focusing on people, not problems
Mistakes and a trial-and-error approach usually lead to the best solutions. Encourage employees to adopt a beginner’s mindset, ask questions and analyse things from every perspective.
Ultimately, by encouraging a culture of creativity, companies cement their employees’ commitment to continuous improvement. Creative thinking unlocks fresh ideas and solutions, while encouraging employees to think outside the box results in new and innovative products or services with the potential to open untapped markets and allow businesses the competitive edge. Innovation and creativity also fosters adaptability, helping businesses to stay relevant in dynamic markets.
Michelle Frenzel - Human Resources Manager - Kyocera Document Management Solutions
