Do You Promote A Culture Of Creativity?
In today's fast-paced culture of constant change and innovation, organizations that want to grow and prosper need to be flexible and malleable to keep up with the pace, especially if they not only want to stay with the pack, but be leaders in their field. The rigid command and control structures of yesteryear are a barrier to moving with the times.
I firmly believe that the companies that will lead the way now and in the future and truly 'hit the jackpot' are those who promote flexible and creative thinking and action at all levels within their organization. To work in this way, leaders must not only practice this way of thinking themselves, but encourage it in ALL their staff.
Leadership theory models give us a lot of 'types' and characteristics for leaders. Here are some of the characteristics of leaders who take a 'creative thinking' approach, while empowering their staff to do the same:
- They have respect for everyone. If people feel valued and respected, they're more likely to articulate their ideas.
- They are visible. Their working life isn't spent in a remote office with the door shut. They are friendly and open, and are often out mingling with different departments.
- They welcome positive input. They're genuinely interested in peoples' ideas, and they encourage open two-way communication.
- They have 2 ears and 1 mouth. They know that being a leader in a progressive organisation isn't about who can shout the loudest - it depends on listening skills. They know that, if they don't hear the great idea, it will never be able to work for the organization.
- They know they're not perfect. Good progressive leaders are conscious of keeping their ego out of the picture. They know that, statistically, the best idea is going to come from someone else in the organization, and they're not afraid to invest time in hearing them.
- They admit to being human. Admitting you don't know all the answers as a leader is a powerful thing. By being open, and admitting that they may not know all the answers, more ideas will flow.
- They use positive reinforcement. Leaders in progressive organizations know the value of praise and acknowledgement, and they go out of their way to find new ideas and reward them, which increases energy across the whole company and drives progress.
` They clearly articulate the vision of the organization. The leader may not have all the answers but, if they clearly define the vision and direction for the company, then everyone will know what the end goal looks like, which will empower them to take ownership of the way to get there.
- They know that energy is infectious! When a leader hears interesting new thoughts and ideas, if he or she gets visibly excited at the prospect, it fires creativity in everyone, as well as rewarding the person who brought the idea.
- They believe in excellence, and encourage all to do the same. Leaders in a progressive environment challenge everyone to be part of the success and be the best they can be together. They inspire confidence, trust and positive attitudes and, use this to drive the competitive advantage of the whole organization.
- Lastly, they help others make a decision. They don't dictate from the front how something will be done, they create an environment where people are free to excel by working the way that's best for them. They cultivate independence, and challenge people to take ownership of their lives and the organization's success.
Sharing, promoting and valuing the thoughts and ideas of every member of the organization is the only way to give an organization room to grow. Children learn the most when they have a nurturing environment to discover things for themselves, and companies are no different. Encouraging people to think for themselves and articulate their ideas can only benefit any organization. And having a culture of ownership, independence and creativity makes people feel valued, and valued people offer discretionary effort. Is your company like that? If not, could you help it to be that way?
Questions and Answers
Have you ever worked in an environment where conflict was rampant and back room discussions were all around you? As a leader, it's hard to make progress when that's the predominant behavior. Get the conversations out in the open, and maybe you'll understand where you're making progress and where you're getting stuck.
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