Most experienced managers know how important it is to have people provide them with creative ideas because they understand that they cannot experience any type of growth if they try to go at it alone. And without a team approach to creativity, the spark of innovation is quickly extinguished. In fact, many people want to be in a position where their input is not only accepted but also implemented.
How To Drive Innovation At Your Business.
If you cannot innovate, your business you will end up leaving the door open for your customers to look elsewhere for a solution to their problems. To help you differentiate yourself in the marketplace through innovation, we have developed 4 tips that are sure to help drive results at your business:
Tip #1. Acknowledge The Importance Of Other People -Good leaders know the importance of sharing credit when a group comes up with creative ideas. Good leaders also know that their staff will continue to contribute new ideas when their ideas are acknowledged -- even if their idea is not always implemented.
Tip #2. Be Proactive In Asking Your Staff For Their Ideas, Thoughts And Opinions - Face it, you are leading a group of people and must make sure the process and procedures are followed; however, there is nothing wrong with being proactive by asking people for their thoughts on how to get something done faster and better. Do not underestimate your people. They most certainly know more than you think.
Tip #3. Do Not Voice Your Ideas First - We all know there are many people in the business world who like to "play it safe" by not stepping out of bounds with new ideas or suggestions. Be sure to draw out potential ideas by asking them to give you their ideas first, before you give them your own.
Tip #4. Recognize Someone's Innovative Ideas - One particularly strong aspect of human nature is an unconscious demand for approval. This is built into our DNA and is something we all want and need. To maximize someone's potential, do something that recognizes their contribution, such as a small gesture like a $5 gift card for a local coffee stop. Remember, it is more about recognizing their contribution than the reward itself.
Here Are Some Additional Recommendations Based On What Great Leaders Do:
- Tell people you appreciate their input; more people leave their company for lack of recognition rather than lack of money.
- Work on catching people doing something innovative.
- Take responsibility for the "happiness" of your department.
- Ask people for their opinions.
- Tap the creative and innovative perspective of all your employees -- no matter how long they have been at the business.
- Take every opportunity to ask a question and then listen intently to someone's answer.
- Allow creativity by having an open discussion about all types of possible solutions/innovations.
- There are no wrong answers, just better answers when innovating a business.
- Set up a specific time and topic that asks people for their ideas and suggestions on innovating the business and ask them to bring 10 new ideas to the meeting. Provide them with a document beforehand that reads along the lines of "What are 10 ideas on innovating or marketing X, Y and Z."
Executive Summary: Great leaders promote and drive innovation by having a strong and creative team behind them. Yes, technology and money will often drive innovation, but more often it is the realignment of a business' current assets (people and technology) that makes all the difference.
Your Next Step: If you want to find out more about how Dale Carnegie® Training can make your business more effective, or need more information on this subject, please send us an e-mail at the address below.
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