There are four key things to be mindful of when creating an environment that is conducive to innovation.
- Firstly, show your employees that innovation is an on-going process, not a once-off burst of creativity. Some ideas work, and some don’t so it’s important for everyone to understand that the quest for finding good ideas is continuous.
- Secondly, listen to your employees and don’t let hierarchy get in the way. Innovation is a collaborative process.
- Third, let ‘accidents’ happen. On occasion they may produce unexpected connections that spark new ideas. Be sure not to fly off the handle and yell at employees when they make mistakes or their ideas don’t work either.Nothing kills creativity and confidence quicker than the threat of humiliation.
- Fourth, be patient. While ideas can strike at three in the morning, many ideas take time to work their way to the surface.