Let’s blow another myth about creativity – see my previous post on-How to help people be creative

Creativity need not be a lonely experience

Creativity is often thought of as one person having a brilliant idea. But organisations have recognised for some time that creativity can be a social experience too. Recent research shows that being in a social environment really helps creativity to blossom. So, rather than pooh poohing the idea of chatting with others who have similar interests, especially people outside the organisation, muse over possibilities and spark ideas off each other. Information sharing is also known to enhance team performance.

Here’s how to help creativity blossom:

1. Encourage and give permission for team members to develop external and internal networks:

• Make use of electronic filing and document systems, and use an agreed set of parameters and protocols to ensure this a reliable way of storing and sharing documents

• Maintain a searchable index, and keep subject-matter expert lists, as well as general ‘who knows what’ lists, up-to-date. This avoids misinformation and reduces the risk of errors that may bring your team into disrepute

2. Encourage and give permission for team members to develop external and internal networks

• Provide sponsorship for team members to develop diverse external social networks. Networks with diverse contacts that don’t rely on strong relationships to them keep going are known to be excellent sources of fresh ideas – and for sourcing knowledge that may help with problem solving

• Use mentors and senior managers to introduce team members to a wide range of potential contacts externally

• Arrange network events and help your team’s social networks really thrive

3. Be practical: too large a network will require work to maintain and so detract from creativity

Reach us at 07779 345 499, m.raymond@mwrconsulting.co.uk

Marjorie Raymond

T: 07779 345 499

E: m.raymond@mwrconsulting.co.uk

We have experience in developing senior managers and their team members – both on an individual and team level – so they can develop practical approaches that encourage positive, constructive behaviour. This, in turn, leads to the development of positive beliefs and values. We are ready work with you, to help you get the best out of your people.

Here are some examples of approaches that can be used and tailored to your individual needs:

• Special projects, secondments and assignments
• Mediation, to address workplace conflict
• Personal development activities
• Individual and group coaching…Coaching – a powerful way of developing people
• Psychometric assessment, which can identify strengths as well as derailing behaviours and also include 360 degree feedback
• Structured module for understanding the psychological contracts in your organisation, both at an individual or team level
• Straight Talking: …Straight Talking create change through conversations