Discovering ways to foster creativity and innovation in your workplace can seem like a daunting task. Perhaps you are inspired to tap into new markets and begin new projects that both excite and motivate you. You have a vision to develop an organizational culture that will support a creative and innovative environment for your staff.
Data shows that having an open work environment that is free from judgment, where people are compassionate, understanding, empathetic and respect one another’s boundaries is the foundation to developing a creative environment. Experiencing an environment where people feel that they can speak up about anything without feeling judged allows for some really wonderful creativity. If staff feel that their ideas are not listened to and that others are quick to judge, they won’t share their ideas. Those ideas could be your next great thing!
In a strongly hierarchical work environment, where the opinion of senior staff is valued more than those of junior staff, it becomes difficult for the people who are lower down on the totem pole to share their creative ideas. This is true even if this type of environment has not been created intentionally.
By developing an environment where no matter what anyone says, no matter how far fetched it is, there is respect and open dialogue around the idea, people feel empowered to speak up. The best ideas and projects within an open environment will encourage originality, empowerment and creativity in your staff and make people feel valued and respected.
As a leader in your organization, I encourage you to model this to your employees. If you’re an employee, I encourage you to use this type of open communication, even when you feel nervous or scared to voice your opinion.
I’d love to chat with you over a virtual cup of coffee to learn more about how sharing this knowledge with your staff could be beneficial to your entire work setting.
For more information and to discover transformational workshops on this topic, please visit https://lindsaylapaquette.com/corporate-workshops/.
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