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May 3, 2023 Innovation in the Workplace: Strategies for Creativity and Progress

Photo by Kvalifik on Unsplash

In today’s constantly evolving business landscape, innovation and creativity have become essential for organizations to stay ahead of the curve. As a leader, it’s important to create a workplace environment that encourages and fosters creativity, allowing employees to innovate and progress in their work.

It’s easy to stay safely within the status quo, but “business as usual” is a sure recipe for stagnation and, eventually, falling behind. To become a truly innovative workplace, it is vital to take some risks, test the waters, and re-strategize when necessary.

Here are some strategies to encourage innovation and creativity in the workplace:

Welcome Diverse Perspectives

One of the key ingredients to encourage creativity and innovation in the workplace is to welcome diverse perspectives. A team comprised of individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and skillsets will bring unique ideas to the table. Far too often, we silence or discourage diverse voices and “never been done” ideas. But to achieve innovation, we must encourage employees to speak up and share their ideas. Make sure everyone knows their opinions are valued by truly listening and taking their thoughts, opinions, and ideas seriously.

Encourage Open Communication and Feedback

Another way to encourage creativity in the workplace is to foster an environment that promotes open communication and feedback between team members, and between the team leader and their team. As a leader, it’s essential to encourage your people to share their opinions, ask questions, and collaborate with each other. You may even open a couple avenues for anonymous communication (such as through surveys or anonymous forums). When it comes to generating new ideas and approaches to solving problems, communication is vital.

Accept Mistakes

Innovation is often accompanied by mistakes. Famously, Thomas Edison said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” As a leader, it’s important to foster a culture where mistakes are accepted and seen as opportunities for growth and learning. Encourage your employees to experiment, take risks, and not be afraid of failing. Mistakes are a part of the learning process and we can take away valuable lessons and information from them. By accepting mistakes, you create an environment that is more conducive to innovation.

Provide Support and Resources

Innovation requires resources and support. As a leader, it’s essential to provide your team with the tools and resources they need to succeed. This may include time, money, software, hardware, and other resources. You must also actively seek new ideas and processes to support your team’s innovative endeavors. Providing support and resources is a key way to show that you value innovation and creativity in the workplace.

Test a Few Different Routes

Testing different routes can lead to creative solutions. Encourage your team to experiment and try different approaches to problem-solving. Brainstorming sessions, prototyping, and testing different solutions can lead to unexpected yet effective solutions. Remember to keep careful track of your methods, collect as much data as possible, and analyze that data to make informed decisions.

Encourage Continuous Learning

Innovation requires continuous learning, so it’s important to encourage your employees to keep learning and developing new skills. Provide opportunities for training, workshops, and conferences. Also, encourage your team to access online resources and attend webinars. By investing in your team’s education and development, you’ll create a culture that values innovation and is constantly striving for improvement.

Don’t Micromanage the Process!

Finally, one of the most important things a leader can do to encourage innovation and creativity in the workplace is to avoid micromanaging the process. Micromanaging can stifle creativity and prevent your team from exploring new ideas. Instead, give your team the freedom to take calculated risks, experiment, and innovate.

Encouraging innovation and creativity in the workplace is crucial for staying ahead in today’s fast-paced business world. By following these strategies, you can create a workplace where employees feel empowered to take risks, collaborate, and experiment with new ideas. Remember, innovation is a journey and not a destination. By fostering a culture that values innovation and creativity, you can create endless possibilities for your team and your organization.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

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April 5, 2023 Do You Overuse “I’m Sorry”?

As young children, most of us were taught good manners. Say please and thank you. Ask for permission. If you mess up or hurt someone, say, “I’m sorry.” While these lessons can be very helpful, sometimes they carry over into adulthood a little too strongly. Specifically, many of us end up apologizing for things that do not require an apology.

What do I mean?

Let’s say you’re in a meeting and someone presents incorrect data. You’re very familiar with the data that should have been presented, so you decide to speak up. Your inclination might be to say something like, “Sorry, but I have to weigh in here…” or “Sorry, but those numbers aren’t quite right…”

Who are you apologizing to? And why?

In truth, there’s no need to be sorry. You’re helping out the team by providing the correct data. The word “Sorry” makes it sound like you did something wrong or hurtful, when that isn’t the case. Instead, you might rephrase your statement to, “I’d like to provide some additional information…” or “If I may, I’d like to offer a different perspective…”

You also don’t need to apologize for technical difficulties, asking someone for clarification, or missing work due to an illness (or a child’s illness). Instead of saying, “Sorry, my microphone wasn’t working,” say, “Thank you for your patience while I dealt with tech issues.” Instead of saying, “Sorry I can’t come in today,” say, “I appreciate your flexibility.”

Why Do We Over Apologize?

There are a few different reasons why we might find ourselves overusing the word “Sorry.” We might be apologizing out of politeness or because we don’t want to impose on other people. We may not be sure of ourselves and feel like we need to back our statements up with an apology.

In some cases, apologizing too much can actually weaken our arguments. It gives off the perception that we are unsure of our statements, even if that’s not the case. It also takes away from our confidence and makes us come off as less assertive.

Women are especially guilty of “over apologizing.” A study by the University of Waterloo in Canada shows that women apologize much more frequently than men. The reason, they say, is because men “have a higher threshold for what constitutes offensive behavior.” Women, take note! Speaking up during a meeting probably isn’t offensive. Having a different opinion, or showing up a few minutes late, or sneezing during a meeting isn’t offensive.

Taking Back Your Power

If you feel that you overuse “I’m sorry” in situations that don’t require an apology, take a step back and analyze your speech patterns. Pay attention to how often you use the word and if you’re using it when it’s unnecessary.

From there, try to change your language. Instead of apologizing, opt for phrases like “Thanks for understanding” or “I appreciate it.” You’ll sound more confident and in control of the discussion. Plus, it won’t take away your power or make it look like you’re trying to diminish your authority.

It is important to understand when an apology is necessary, and when it is not. Being aware of our language and speech patterns can help us realize if we are overusing the phrase “I’m sorry.” Changing our language to sound more confident and in control can be a powerful tool for assertiveness, and re-phrasing our statements with phrases can help us take back the power in those situations. Practicing these techniques can help make sure we know when an apology is truly necessary.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

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February 15, 2023 8 Ways to Boost Motivation in Winter Months

If you live in the upper part of the Northern Hemisphere, as I do, winter is beginning to drag. When that happens, people tend to get restless and it becomes difficult to focus. During the summer, it’s easy to step away from the computer, take a stroll, or enjoy a cup of coffee or tea on a patio. But during the winter, many of us do not have that kind of outlet.

So, what can you do? How can you stay motivated and productive during the winter months?

Try some of the following 8 tips:

Invest in seasonal hobbies.

You can make the winter months a lot more enjoyable when you invest in seasonal hobbies like skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, or snowmobiling. Your activities could also take place indoors–perhaps this is the year you learn how to quilt or take your baking hobby to the next level. Find pastimes you enjoy and look forward to each week.

Take a winter vacation.

Travel can be a great way to boost motivation and energy levels. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, you’re sure to come back feeling refreshed and energized. Read my past blog post on effectively prepping for a vacation so you can truly relax!

Schedule regular outdoor activities.

Despite the cold weather, there are plenty of activities you can do outside. Take a walk each morning, explore a local park with your family, or discover local attractions/events (In Minnesota, we have ice sculptures, ski events, ice mazes/palaces, and even an “art village” that pops up on a frozen lake).

Create a cozy workspace.

Invest in items that make your workspace comfortable and pleasant. Some ideas include a cozy blanket, a warm drink mug, comfortable slippers, and scented candles.

Set small goals and rewards.

Break up larger projects into smaller, achievable goals and set rewards for meeting those goals. This will help you stay motivated and on track with the project even if you’re not feeling especially motivated.

Invest in daylight/SAD lamps.

During the winter months, some people suffer from a lack of daylight, causing them to feel lethargic, unmotivated, or even depressed. Daylight lamps (sometimes known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) lamps) can help simulate natural light and provide energy-boosting vitamin D.

Join a support group.

Joining a support group can help reduce stress and provide motivation, especially when you’re feeling stuck. Check with your local community center, churches, or ask some trusted friends.

Take regular breaks.

Breaks can help to refresh and recharge your energy and motivation levels. Whether it’s a 10-minute break or a longer one, taking breaks throughout the day is vital for resetting your focus.

The winter months can be tough for everyone, but with these 8 tips you’ll be prepared to find motivation, stay productive, and make the most of the season!

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 

HER NEW EBOOK IS CALLED A QUICK GUIDE TO COURAGE.

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