Build a Creative Business

               Innovation flourishes in organisations where it is encouraged appreciated and rewarded – it’s the fuel of corporate survival.

         It dies in organisations that are bureaucratic, officious, and smothered with rules.

         It takes courage to modernize,  to originate and it invites controversy.

         Innovation is progress in the face of tradition.

         Most innovation comes from doing things we do every day a little bit better each time.

         Recruit ambitious people and build innovative teams.

A handful of tips to help you build a creative workforce

* Set a vision

         The climate for innovation is set at the top.  Top management must have a vision. This must be shared with their teams.  

         Teams must be encouraged to suggest and support ways to help achieve it.

* Remove barriers

         Innovation thrives on encouragement and dies with routine, regulations, and bureaucracy.

         Too many restrictions and barriers prevent ideas from circulating and kill useful ideas.

         Set guidelines and strategies to guide work practices.

         Delegate responsibilities down to the action levels of the business.

* Look for new ideas

         Copy worthwhile ideas.

         New ideas can be found both within and outside your business.  

         Watch what other people are saying and doing.      

         Make the time to chat with workers, customers, and potential clients for useful ideas.

         If you question, and listen with care, you will collect worthwhile ideas.

* Show appreciation

         Showing appreciation for good ideas will encourage creativity.

         Public recognition and rewards will help stimulate fresh ideas.

* Improve communication

         Everyone, regardless of rank or position, should be encouraged to express their thoughts and ideas.     

         Good communication systems are essential to innovation.

         Organisations must be able to sift and sort ideas and learn from their failures and successes.

         Aim to evaluate all actions, all the time and try to keep making continuous improvements.

Geoffrey Moss(mossassociates.co.nz)

” New ideas rarely germinate with people who are scared of making mistakes.”