3 ways to reinvigorate your workplace innovation

 

Are you bored in your current role? Stuck in the same repetitive, draining loop of everyday mundane working tasks? Not being able to look past the operational can be a real road block to creativity whether it be in leading others or in making your offering more competitive. We have put together 4 tips to help you foster innovation and ‘think outside the box’ to bring some colour back into your life and others in the workplace.

1) Tackle fear head-on

Two major fear-related aspects holding people back in the workplace regarding innovation are difficulties in trusting others and hesitating to make a decision after mistakes are made. Firstly, in the workplace, it is vital that you are part of a team that fosters idea sharing and cooperation; employee empowerment and self-confidence might just set that spark that you desperately want to see – and this cannot be achieved with an anxiety-fuelled sense of mistrust lingering at the back of your mind. Secondly, in the working environment, mistakes are daunting for anyone – the consequences can be devastating. However, understanding opportunities that arise from mistakes and ‘making the best of a bad situation’ is something that can set you apart from the rest- once you conquer your fear of failure that so many people have. Take Richard Branson for example: he has failed miserably in some of his past business ventures, yet despite setbacks he has still managed to become extremely successful through innovative ideas and strategies.

2) Consider alternative scenarios

Always ask yourself ‘what if?’ if you find yourself running out of ideas. Brainstorm by creating a mind-map. This allows you to set out your ideas in a creative fashion and also allows you to coordinate your thought-process in a way that may spark a new idea. Here is a good example mind map to get you started.

      3) Become self-actualised and excel at what you’re good at!  

Stop comparing yourself to your co-workers! So what if someone has a nice car and you don’t? Nothing is as it seems in the real-world; focus on your strengths, not your shortfalls. The more self-aware you are the more you can revel in your positive personal qualities. Adapt to your working environment based upon YOUR strengths, not other people’s, and you will soon find that your need to compare yourself to others will subsequently deteriorate (and eventually disappear).Push your strengths to the limit and maintain your creative edge. Continue to practice your newly found skills. Repetition is key!

Are you trying to identify innovative talent in your organisation? 
The ability to consistently find issues and then creatively pursue new solutions is one of the most valuable assets to a successful business. Psych Press’ Enterprize™ assessment accurately predicts the ability for employees to bring innovative solutions into the workplace. To find out more visit the Enterprize™ webpage or speak to a Psychologist on 03 9670 0590, or email info@psychpress.com.au.