I was out to lunch with my wife at a hip, new place downtown. The décor was fresh and modern. And up on the TV monitors, the entire time we were eating, were old episodes of Bob Ross’ Joy of Painting. We were enthralled. Don’t you love his ‘happy accidents?’ That’s where real creativity lies… In the happy accidents. When was the last time you made space for intentional happy accidents?
As a manager, focusing solely on efficiency and productivity can be tempting. But creativity is becoming increasingly important in today’s fast-paced and constantly changing business environment. As a result, managing FOR creativity has become a key priority for many organizations.
Managing FOR creativity means creating an environment that encourages and supports creative thinking. It means providing employees with the tools and resources to be innovative and take risks. It also means fostering a culture of experimentation and learning, where failure is seen as an opportunity for growth.
One of the keys to managing FOR creativity is to create a diverse team. Diversity of thought, experience, and background can lead to more innovative ideas and solutions. It’s also essential to provide employees with autonomy and flexibility, allowing them to pursue their ideas and take ownership of their work.
Another critical aspect of managing FOR creativity is creating a safe environment for experimentation and risk-taking. Employees should feel comfortable sharing their ideas, even if they are not fully formed or polished. Managers should encourage feedback and collaboration and create a culture that values continuous learning and improvement.
Finally, managing FOR creativity means recognizing and rewarding imagination. Employees who develop innovative ideas should be acknowledged and awarded for their contributions. This can be through formal recognition programs or verbal praise and encouragement.
Managing FOR creativity is essential for success in today’s rapidly changing business landscape. By creating a culture of creativity, providing employees with the tools and resources they need, and fostering a safe environment for experimentation and learning, organizations can tap into the full potential of their workforce and drive innovation and growth.
