Cultivating Innovation in the Workplace

As a leader, one of the best decisions you can make is welcoming change in the workplace. Often thought of as a buzzword, innovation truly is the key to unlocking productivity in your organization. Here are our top tips for cultivating an innovative environment in your workplace.

 

Lose the Ego

The easiest and quickest way to crowdsource innovative ideas from your workforce is to simply ask. If not careful, leaders often see themselves as the person who must have all the answers. Have an honest, engaging conversation with members of your organization and ask questions. Let them know that you are welcoming of any ideas they have for improvement or experimentation, no matter how small.

 

Introduce an Agile Methodology

Traditionally used in software development, an agile methodology focuses on breaking down large tasks into several small, incremental “sprints” that are completed on shorter timelines. By breaking down a large project with one major deadline into more manageable tasks, coupled by daily check in meetings for alignment, team members are empowered to collaborate, discover, and “fail fast”. Agile is best implemented in organizations looking to explore options and experiment in a fast-paced atmosphere. To learn more, check out this article by the Harvard Business Review and decide if introducing agile is the right decision for your organization.

 

Mess Up

Sometimes, the biggest mistakes lead to game-changing results. For example, the time-honored chocolate chip cookie was the outcome of a baking attempt gone wrong. In the 1930s, Ruth Wakefield added chocolate chunks to her cookie batter, expecting them to melt, and once baked, become chocolate-flavored cookies. What resulted was a failed chocolate cookie, but a perfect chocolate chip cookie. That failure led to the dessert industry-disrupting company: Nestlé Tollhouse, Inc. This concept applies to corporate experiments as well. Be willing to take a risk, and don’t be alarmed or defeated if the result comes out different than expected. Who knows, like the chocolate chip cookie, that mistake could be gateway to the next billion-dollar idea.

 

When a company or department can embrace these ideologies to engage in the forward-thinking process, they are on the fast track to innovation.  And innovation is the lifeblood of a successful business model.

 

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About Debi

Debi is a coach to high performers, leaders and business owners wanting to achieve more and grow beyond what they believe is possible. Known for her clarifying insight and a pragmatic approach, Debi brings her clients to the next step by asking the right questions during strategy development and supporting them during strategy implementation. With experience in management, recruitment and employee development for various industries, she has a wide scope of expertise and will confidently guide you towards a successful future in your career.

 

Ready to take your career to the next level? 

Let’s chat. Schedule a complimentary call to discuss innovative solutions to your specific needs.

 

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Reignite the Spark in Your Career

One of the top comments I hear from my clients is, “I like my job, but I’m bored. It doesn’t excite me.” After 5, 10, 20 years at a company, it’s understandable to become wearied by the same routine, people, and projects. Here are some tips to reignite the spark in your career, and how to fall in love (again!) with the work that you are doing.

 

Take Inventory and Delegate

Before you change WHAT you do, you must KNOW what you do. Make a list of the tasks that you complete every day. These tasks can be small or large, from “grab coffee from the 2nd floor break room” to “meet with the legal team to discuss next steps on the ________ project”. Then, categorize these things as “I enjoy” and “I do not enjoy”. Getting this list written down provides a visual of what has been pent up in your head and lets you see what work activities you would be happy to continue with and what you’d prefer to say goodbye to. Over time, find positive opportunities to remove the “I do not enjoy” tasks from your job. Is there a colleague looking for a new challenge? An intern begging for work to do? An innovative way to complete the task using different technology? Great! Refine your career so that you are doing the work that excites and motivates you and watch as you look forward to beginning your work each day.

 

Focus on Your Goals

Why are at this job? Was it a stepping stone to your next position? To make money? It can be easy to fall out of love with your career when you feel like there is not a greater purpose to your work. To combat this, you should always have a few long-term goals in mind to be chipping away at. These goals can be anything from earning a promotion to gaining skills in preparation for the next company you would like to work at. When you know the WHY for your work, you will be able to see the purpose in your day to day activities.

 

Ask for Different Work

While you may love your company’s mission and colleagues, the actual daily activities can become mundane when performed day after day. Consider reaching out to your supervisor about having a conversation regarding new projects. But be warned, it’s very important to ask a certain way. Do not come across as bored (even if you feel that way), but rather that you feel comfortable and confident in what you are doing now and are looking to take on new tasks to refine and grow your skills. If done correctly, your manager will see you as a go-getter, and be thrilled to know that you are excited and motivated to take on different projects.

 

Shake Things Up

An easy way to add interest to your workday is to simply change out your routine. Do you tend to sit at your desk all day to complete work? Consider moving your laptop to a spot outside. Always grabbing your Americano and bagel from the Starbucks in the office lobby? Perhaps try out a latte and breakfast wrap instead. You may be surprised that making small changes to your routine can add a bit more interest, even if your actual work is staying the same.

 

Create an Exit Strategy

If you are truly unhappy with your work, maybe it time for a change. Feel empowered to consider outside opportunities but be mindful of your approach unless you are positive that you are leaving your current company, no matter what. Even if you are ready to pursue other opportunities, ensure that your work ethic does not weaken. Leaving on good terms, with a great network and resources available for later in your career, is the sign of a truly successful exit.

 

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About Debi

Debi is a coach to high performers, leaders and business owners wanting to achieve more and grow beyond what they believe is possible. Known for her clarifying insight and a pragmatic approach, Debi brings her clients to the next step by asking the right questions during strategy development and supporting them during strategy implementation. With experience in management, recruitment and employee development for various industries, she has a wide scope of expertise and will confidently guide you towards a successful future in your career.

 

Ready to take your career to the next level? 

Let’s chat. Schedule a complimentary call to discuss innovative solutions to your specific needs.

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