Foster Creative Collaboration

2009 April 23
by Scott Jeffrey

Innovative companies understand that optimal business growth is directly connected to harmonious teams.

If you’re focusing on policies, mechanics or systems and not on your people and the customers you serve, you’re bypassing the heart and soul of your business. Without positive emotion and heartfelt connection, the power of creativity is stifled.

Innovative businesses support group collaboration and the free exchange of ideas.

Consider creating an “idea room” with whiteboards, comfortable chairs, fun music, healthy snacks, creative décor, even juggling balls.

Team members use the brain room to hold brainstorming sessions or problem-solving collaborations. The highly innovative Brazilian company Semco, run by maverick Ricardo Semler, has an “Out of Your Mind!” committee that meets periodically to consider unusual ideas that aren’t relevant to their existing business. Providing a safe forum for employees to share their “crazy ideas” in an open and supportive environment can pave the way to extraordinary innovations.

Have fun, be creative, innovate, and watch your business grow!

The lesson: Foster creative collaboration rather than “just getting things done.”


Related posts:

  1. Create an Inspiring Work Environment
  2. Allowing Ideas to Enter Your Mind
  3. The Freedom to Fail
  4. 5 MORE Ways to Become Creative at Work
One Response leave one →
  1. 2009 April 23
    Todd Alexander permalink

    Using the “Six Thinking Hats” technique would be good in these “out of your mind” meetings!

Leave a Reply

Note: You can use basic XHTML in your comments. Your email address will never be published.

Subscribe to this comment feed via RSS

Spam Protection by WP-SpamFree