As someone starting a new business, the people you hire are the most important part. Today, having an innovative and creative team is not a luxury; it is a necessity against the competition. Developing a team with fresh ideas and thinking outside the box can make all the difference between failing and being wildly successful. This article shares a few ways to create an innovative and creative team. Let’s begin!
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Encourage Open Communication and Make People Feel Safe
An innovative and creative team starts with an environment where people share ideas openly. Establish a culture where all ideas, even weird or rough ones, are welcomed and respected. Foster an atmosphere where team members feel safe voicing their thoughts without worrying about being made fun of or punished. Encourage respectful debate and constructive criticism, as this exchange of different perspectives often sparks innovative solutions.
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Bring Together a Diverse Group
Innovation rarely comes from a homogeneous group of people with similar backgrounds and thought processes. Actively look to hire team members with diverse experiences, skills, and viewpoints. A melting pot of perspectives can challenge assumptions and shine a light on blind spots, leading to breakthroughs that might be missed otherwise. Encourage your team to draw inspiration from their unique cultural backgrounds and lived experiences.
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Nurture Curiosity and Continuous Learning
Innovative thinkers have an inherent curiosity – they are driven to question the norm, explore new avenues, and constantly expand their knowledge. Nurture this spirit within your team by providing opportunities for professional development, learning new skills, and exploration of related industries or topics. Encourage attending conferences, workshops, or online courses to broaden their horizons and bring fresh insights.
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Cultivate a Playful Experimental Mindset
Innovation often comes from unexpected places, and an experimental, playful mindset can powerfully drive creativity. Set aside dedicated time and resources for your team to engage in unorthodox thinking exercises, brainstorming sessions, or passion projects outside their normal responsibilities. Create a safe space for your team to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from failures.
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Empower and Trust Your Team
As the leader, resist the urge to micromanage or exert excessive control. Empower your team to take ownership of projects and provide the autonomy to explore novel solutions and unconventional approaches. Demonstrate trust in their abilities by setting high-level goals and parameters while allowing them to determine the best methods to achieve those objectives.
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Celebrate Wins and Learn from Failures
Make a conscious effort to celebrate successes, no matter how small. Public recognition and appreciation can go a long way in reinforcing the behaviours and mindsets you want to cultivate. However, it’s equally important to cultivate an environment where failures are treated as learning opportunities, not sources of punishment or shame. Encourage your team to embrace failures, dissect what went wrong, and extract valuable lessons to inform future innovation efforts.
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Final Thoughts
Implementing these strategies takes conscious effort, but the payoff is immense. By fostering an environment that celebrates creativity, diversity, and continuous growth, you’ll attract and retain top talent who can propel your venture to new heights through innovative thinking and groundbreaking solutions.
Got a suggestion? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com
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This article was first published on 4th June 2024
chidiogo-akaelu
Chidiogo Shalom Akaelu holds a degree in English and Literary Studies, from the University of Nigeria. She is a freelance writer, editor and founder of Loana Press, a budding online publishing outlet.
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