The world, hyper-active and technologically oriented, is in the midst of an innovation explosion — one that may not slow down ever again, or anytime soon. With new expertise and findings surfacing daily, it’s important to understand how these innovations can work for people and their industries, regardless of what they may be. In order to utilize innovation and new findings in industry, innovation must be cultivated in the workplace, namely the office.
It is suggested that in order to create an innovative office, the leader, must act as an “innovation parent.” This is to say that the boss must make clear to whom and for what the creatives and innovators are to be held accountable. In other words, set parameters for innovators and creators regarding deadlines and roles in the office. Then, from there, let them spread their creative wings.
The idea behind this is that trust is established between the boss of the office and the innovators. The innovators learn the ins and outs and delivering on their end and the managers and bosses learn to trust the innovators and their expertise, while ensuring they are aware where their work falls into the production line.
In addition to bolstering the cultural framework laid out by “innovation parenting,” another excellent piece of advice is to tear down hierarchical walls and barriers. This is not the same as eliminating a hierarchy, rather it is structuring your office and your office’s communication around a no barrier culture. This is to open up dialogue and confidence amongst team members, no matter their status within an organization. By establishing trust between each member of an office, an office is more capable of sharing ideas and taking leaps of faith together. Also, it establishes the unstated rule that no one person is responsible for everything.
Each team member can truly start to feel like they are providing a positive impact when trust and confidence is fostered among the office hierarchy; this begins by tearing down the boundaries dividing one’s workforce. Collaboration is a key component of innovation, as two minds are better than one.
In conclusion, trust among employees is the key factor to an innovative workplace. When there is trust, there is the ability to make suggestions with a confidence to pursue innovative solutions.
