Jun 29, 2016
I have always believed the creative workforce is the most motivated workforce. Workplace creativity is best nurtured in a permissive climate, one that encourages the exploration of new ideas and new ways of doing things.
However such a climate is difficult for some managers to accept. They may be uncomfortable with the continuing process of change, which is a necessary partner of creativity. They may also be concerned that, in a permissive atmosphere, discipline or cost control may break down.
How can managers take these real feelings and concerns into account and yet create a climate that will encourage creativity?
The following elements might provide part of the solution:
- Develop a culture of change. Before employees accept change, they must believe it will benefit them and the organisation. They are more likely to believe this if they are involved with their managers in making the decisions that will ultimately affect them.
- Encourage new ideas. Management must make it clear that they will embrace new ways of doing things. Managers whose default is to turn against new ideas will quickly stop creative ideas.
- Allow more interaction. A creative climate thrives when team members are allowed to interact with their own team mates as well as team members from other departments. Useful information is exchanged, new ideas flow both ways and new views on old challenges are heard for the first time.
- Tolerate failure. A large number of new ideas can prove too costly or simply not feasible. Management need to accept that time and resources will be provided knowing that the idea(s) might or might not come to fruition.
- Provide clear objectives and freedom to achieve them. Teams who are provided with clear goals will be motivated to meet them. The goals provide a purpose for their creativity. Set guidelines with minimal constraints gives managers a degree of control with regards to the cost and time invested the creative behaviour.
- Offer recognition. Create individuals prefer to work on tasks that actual motivate them. This also means they, like all other staff, like to be rewarded for a task well done. Management must offer tangible rewards that send a clear message that creative behaviour is encouraged, supported and recognised in their organisation.
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