Build a CREATIVE ORGANISATION

Creativity requires the freedom to question and doubt the worth of everyday common practices.

         Leaders cannot order people to be creative, but they can provide conditions where creativity can flourish.

         Before starting to improve the creativity of a business you must realise that the enemies of creativity are rules, negativity and blame. This is the place to start.   First, remove strict controls if you plan to develop a creative organisation

Five of the best tips to set up a creative organisation

* Provide conditions where creativity can flourish

         Encourage workers to think about their future and the future of the organisation they are working for.

          Set up teams made up of people with different skills and experiences.  Challenge them to solve problems using brainstorming, mind-mapping and other innovative techniques. If people are not familiar with these useful techniques use a facilitator to train them.    

         Foster co-operation between teams and aim for a friendly, enjoyable, progressive stress-free workplace.

         Consider inviting innovative clients to join the teams, if it is appropriate for the exercises being carried out.

* Encourage people to question traditional practices

         Good communication systems and honest feedback allow people to feel free to express opinions and suggest alternatives.

         Leaders must encourage honest and free discussions between all staff, regardless of rank and positions held. Don’t be afraid to talk to the cleaners or new staff. Even they may have some good ideas.

         Creativity varies inversely to the number of people involved in decision making. Final decisions need to be made fast by top management as soon as all considerations are available. Do not procrastinate! 

* Make tomorrow’s effort better than today’s

         Question every task and evaluate it. “Why do we do things this way?” “Is there a better way?” “How can we do better next time?”

         Encourage simple questions in a basic language that all can understand.

* Let people make mistakes, without blame

         Accept the fact that there will be mistakes. Treat mistakes as lessons learned. The freedom to make mistakes without blame encourages creativity.

         Workers should not be afraid to fail. People know when they have made mistakes and are usually embarrassed. Ask them what they have learned from their failure. Do not criticise unless mistakes are made too frequently.

* Challenge people to solve problems

         Reward them for innovative ideas

Let them know you appreciate their curiosity, imagination and creativity.

         Be generous with rewards in proportion to the benefits gained.

         By building a creative work climate you will ensure tomorrow is better than today. Your worker’s satisfaction will improve and your organisation will grow.

–Geoffrey Moss

“Creativity varies inversely to the number of people involved in decision making.” 

Source: “Secrets for New Managers” first published by Moss Associates Ltd., New Zealand and Cengage Learning Asia, Singapore. Also available as an e-book from Amazon.com and VitalSource.