The pace at which things move these days means that, to ensure that their organisations stay ahead of the pack, leaders need to embrace and encourage creativity.
Sadly in some organisations there are real barriers to creativity. So what are some of those barriers to which you need to be alert?
Barrier 1: We Are Not In A Creative Sector
You may not be an organisation that is in the creative sector but that does not mean that you should not be looking at different ways of doing things.
While your organisation might not be in what’s termed creative, you have to continually adapt to change.
Remember that people draw conclusions about organisations based on their experiences with others.
Barrier 2: I Don’t Have Time
As a leader there are two very distinct but interrelated roles to consider: taking care of the present and building long term sustained success in the future.
It is easy to fill your schedule with the here and now and fool yourself into believing you have no time.
Step back periodically and look at where you are investing your time. Use an app like Clockify
Barrier 3: Being Passive
By that I mean waiting for someone else to come up with the answer and then trying to lift it and shoe horn it into your organisation.
I use to see this in a lot of public sector organisations where there was sometimes a tendency to assume that something that worked in one location would automatically work in another.
It might and there may be differences on demographics and other factors.
Barrier 4: Over Control
Much is said and written about employee engagement.
The fact is employees will only engage if they feel that if they come up with an idea it will be given appropriate consideration.
If you want to control everything you will never get creativity.
Don’t underestimate this. It’s claimed that as many as 50% are disengaged at work.
Barrier 5: No Incentive
Take a look at the reward structures in your organisation.
Do they reward people who come up with good solutions or do they just treat people as if they are all the same?
Of course it’s easy to think that incentives need to be financial. Many organisations are using Awards Ceremonies as a way of recognising people without breaking the bank.
Barrier 6: Fear of Failure
Every organisation needs to take some degree of risk.
Those risks might result in successes sometimes and failure at other times.
If you fear failure, your organisation, team or function will always be sub-optimal in terms of results.
We often learn more when we fail than when we succeed. In my experience the growth is exponential when things don’t go to plan.
Barrier 7: Complacency
The minute you think you have it cracked you are in dangerous waters.
Just look at organisations that were around in the past who are not any longer. Don’t ever think that you have it all cracked.
Duncan Brodie of Goals and Achievements helps accountants and health professionals to become highly effective leaders and managers. He invites you to take advantage of his free audio e-course Leadership Success at www.goalsandachievements.co.uk
