Far too often, people think that creativity is the exclusive domain of the Arts and Humanities, with no role in the business community – and that includes business people. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Business isn’t a mere matter of rearranging figures and reaping profit – it’s also about having the creative spark to bring something into the world.
These quick creative tips can help employers boost the creativity of their employees – and perhaps themselves.
- Offer Intellectual Challenges
A lot has been written about automation and how it’s taking jobs from people. What isn’t noted enough, however, is that algorithms and bots take away the tedium of uncreative menial labor. Work that is intellectually and creatively challenging, therefore, remains (for now) the purview of creative people. Give employees tasks that a computer can’t complete and which challenge the mind. Doing so can not only boost employees’ creativity but show them you value them more than mere bots. As a leader, you need to be intellectually engaged with your work, and you need to ensure your employees share that intellectual engagement.
- Give Employees Freedom
Another thing that separates employees from bots is their ability to work and problem-solve as they see fit. Giving employees freedom is another way to encourage free creative thought and show you value their contributions. As a leader, you have to know when to give orders, but giving freedom is just as important.
- Diverse Workforces
Groupthink is the enemy of creativity. Few things foster groupthink and unquestioning approval of something such as a lack of different perspectives on your team. It is, thus, important to make sure your workforce overall and different teams in your company are made up of people from diverse backgrounds with different specialties and perspectives on projects. As a leader, you need to manage this diverse workplace to get the most out of them.
- Encourage Questions
Another critical step leaders can take to rid their companies of Yes-men and groupthink is to encourage questions. You don’t want employees who aren’t capable of thinking for themselves, and that means hiring workers who can ask intelligent questions and, thus, spur creative new solutions.
Each of these steps can help boost creativity and morale in your workplace.