Creativity and innovation are the keys to success in any business or organization. But how can leaders cultivate creativity and innovation within their teams? It requires deliberate actions and creating the right environment.
In September, Crestcom participants learn how to stimulate creative perspectives on their teams. This module features Crestcom subject matter expert, and author of Innovation is Everybody’s Business, Tamara Ghandour. As Ghandour often emphasizes, “Innovation isn’t about a job title. It’s about solving problems in creative ways that add value.”
As leaders, we are responsible for creating a work environment where creativity and innovation thrive! Here’s how you can foster creativity and innovation within your organization:
Encourage Curiosity and Problem-Solving
Creativity often begins with curiosity. Leaders can cultivate creativity by inspiring their teams to ask questions. This helps challenge the status quo and explore new ideas. In a recent Harvard Business Review article, Soren Kaplan explains that curiosity leads to innovation by opening up new possibilities.
Leaders should model this by asking questions like, “What’s the root cause of this issue?” or “How can we make a bigger impact with what we have?” These questions push the team to think beyond their usual tasks and develop creative solutions.
Likewise, in an episode of The Leadership Habit Podcast, Tamara Ghandour explains that knowing your innovation style is key. When leaders and teams align their work with their natural strengths, they become more engaged and better at solving problems creatively. Ghandour says, “Aligning your work with your natural innovator style makes you more likely to drive breakthrough solutions.”
Leaders who can harness the diverse innovator styles on their teams will unleash the hidden creativity of their employees. While some individuals will be inspired by risk-taking and experimentation, others are not. Some people innovate by asking more questions and getting curious about why things are one way and not another. Other people thrive on collaboration and revision of existing ideas. You may be a visual innovator, while another person may need to talk through their ideas.
Creating a culture of innovation starts with building trust in your team and understanding that creativity starts with getting curious about the problem at hand.
Promote Lifelong Learning
Another way to cultivate creativity and innovation is through continuous learning. In a constantly changing environment, staying ahead requires more than experience. It demands ongoing learning. In his recent article, Kaplan suggests dedicating time each week to learning new skills, exploring trends, or attending workshops. This keeps your team up-to-date and ready to innovate.
For this reason, Crestcom L.E.A.D.R. for Life is designed to sharpen the skills leaders need to inspire innovation. It also embodies the concept of lifelong learning and keeping your leadership skills sharp. Our initial program covers 24 foundational topics over the course of twelve months. Then, graduates of that program can move on to ongoing quarterly sessions that cover new topics based on current business trends.
In addition to professional development, leaders should encourage their teams to explore personal interests. These experiences can bring new skills to the workplace, boosting creativity. For example, someone involved in improv theater might develop quick thinking, which can lead to innovative problem-solving on the job.
Innovation is a Team Sport
Creativity and innovation thrive in collaborative environments. Kaplan’s article highlights the importance of sharing ideas and working together across teams. Leaders can organize regular brainstorming sessions and encourage projects that involve different departments.
Ghandour also emphasizes the power of collaboration. She says, “Innovation is often a team effort. Bringing together diverse perspectives leads to breakthrough ideas.” Leaders who promote open communication and teamwork will see more creativity and innovation.
Leaders must create an inclusive environment where employees are not afraid to share ideas or make mistakes. Psychological safety is paramount in any workplace, but it is also essential for innovation. Leaders who model vulnerability and master the art of constructive feedback will build strong teams that can innovate and produce results!
Creativity and Innovation are an Ongoing Process
Cultivating creativity and innovation is an ongoing process. Leaders play a key role by encouraging curiosity, promoting continuous learning, and supporting collaboration. As Ghandour states, “Innovation is everybody’s business.” Leaders can help their organizations stay competitive and achieve lasting success by taking these steps.
Start by asking new questions, learning new skills, and opening collaborative discussions. These actions can make all the difference in how leaders cultivate creativity and innovation in their organizations!
