Creativity is the single most important skill in the world, LinkedIn Learning Report stated. Furthermore, creativity is linked to 9 of the 10 most important skills that world leaders consider essential for 2020 and beyond, according to the World Economic Forum.
But there is an anomaly, as reported by an Adobe study. When 76% of people say that companies that invest in creativity have a greater chance of having happier employees, 77% say the demand in the workplace comes from the need to be productive instead of creative.
Have we tried to encourage creativity in the workplace? If it’s not so good, then how to Then how to boost creativity at work?
Creativity Has Played a Key Role in Most Booming Companies
Leaders, creativity is a powerful force that can help businesses succeed in today’s fast-moving market. Companies that embrace creativity have a greater chance of success as they can cope with changing market conditions and keep ahead of their competitors.
For instance, Apple is known for its innovative products and design. As a result, that company has become one of the world’s most valuable companies.
In another story, Amazon‘s emphasis on innovation and experimentation has enabled it to dominate online commerce. Innovation, experimentation, and risk-taking all arise out of creativity.
Creativity can help companies succeed by:
1. Innovation
Innovation and competitiveness depend on creativity. By fostering a culture of creativity, companies can encourage people to step out of the box and develop new ideas and solutions.
2. Problem-solving
Creativity can help businesses solve complex problems by encouraging employees to be creative and develop innovative solutions.
3. Uniqueness
Creativity can help companies stand out from the competition by providing unique products and services that stand out on the market.
4. Customer satisfaction
Creativity can enhance client satisfaction by delivering new and innovative products and services that meet clients’ changing needs.
Creativity at Work Is the Backbone of Business Innovation
How to improve creativity skills in the workplace? Fostering a creative workplace starts with stimulating creative thinking among our employees.
Most people fear letting their minds go wild and developing new ideas. So, as managers, help them a bit by encouraging good spirits. The following are some ways to foster a creative culture:
1. Prepare the floor to brainstorm.
Our business may harvest the fruits of markers and an empty board. We never know which ideas can pop up when people have a big, clear whiteboard. Give people a place to scribble any idea where a great idea can come up.
A stress-free brainstorming in a relaxed environment is one of the best ways to generate new ideas.
2. Don’t overlook originality.
Some people get used to being part of the box. They just like to keep track of their workload and not make a difference. So, as managers, let our employees know we care about their thoughts.
Let employees know that we value their individuality. We’ll see them as unique and exciting people, not just our workers. Give them freedom, and we will get their fantastic ideas.
3. Provide them with what they need.
People want to take action, but sometimes they have nothing. Provide our people with the resources they need to be creative, including tools, software, and training. It will help them learn new skills and put them into practice in the workplace.
4. Set up a “sandbox” environment for experimentation.
Let’s say you run a technology business that develops mobile apps. To encourage experimentation, we could create a “sandbox” environment where employees could work on experimental projects.
In this sandbox environment, employees can work on their projects, test new technologies and work with other team members. It can help create new ideas and solutions which can be applied to the company’s products or services.
5. Set a “Fail Fast” policy.
Imagine that there is a “Fail Fast” policy. Through this policy, we encourage people to take calculated risks, test new ideas and make decisions quickly.
It lets people take risks and make mistakes without fear of negative consequences. If an idea fails, we shall neither punish nor blame them.
By promoting risk-taking, we can empower people to think outside the box, challenge assumptions and, of course, fuel their creativity.
6. Trust your people
Lastly, a culture of trust is essential to building creativity in the workplace. A sense of trust will allow people to take risks, innovate and collaborate more effectively with their coworkers.
At the same time, trusting our employees to encourage creativity can create a positive and productive work environment.
In conclusion, the creativity at work we develop in our employees can help grow our business. It helps us find better solutions to problems, increase opportunities for sales and differentiate our products and services from our competitors.
