As we slowly dig out of this recession, everyone is talking about creativity and innovation. I figured it was time for me to say something too from the standpoint of the relationships you have in the organization.

So what is your role in influencing creativity and innovation in others?

We know it isn’t enough to simply add creativity to a list of values your organization espouses or to bring in consultants who get staff keyed up about innovating. You must be an advocate; someone who demonstrates that you really mean it.

Your best chance of having creative, innovative initiatives will occur with behaviors that:

Encourage curiosity: Ask open ended questions, encourage forums where it is easy and safe to brainstorm, and model curiosity for others on your staff.

Use discernment: Leaders can stifle curiosity by expressing their own opinions about new ideas too soon. Express your opinion only when you must; better yet, let the forums and brainstorming sessions happen without you. You can always speak up if you have to later.

Tolerate risk: Many leaders say they want creativity and innovation in their organizations, but they have a low tolerance for risk. Innovative ideas tend to require more risk than “more of the same”. If you normally avoid risk, you must be willing to be comfortable with more of it in order to grow a culture of innovation.

Moderate bureaucracy: If innovation becomes difficult because of bureaucratic barriers, employees will stop trying. Paperwork, forms, and excessive structure can stifle creativity. Eventually employees will lose the will to be creative. It’s your job to clear away the barriers that prevent innovative ideas from coming into fruition.

Set priorities When you get overwhelmed with new ideas (wouldn’t that be great?, ask the people who were involved in coming up with the ideas to assist in priority-setting. This will increase buy-in for the projects you decide to move ahead with.

Communicate the successes: Having some successes and communicating them will energize your organization to step up to the plate on additional creative efforts. Consider how Apple has been able to capitalize on the first I-Pod with additional, similar products that capitalize on its attractive design and user interface features.

Celebrate success: Celebrating is not only a way to say thank you to those who shared in the achievement, but will also keep the creative juices flowing and encourage future success. Make celebration part of your creative culture.

I’d love to hear from you. What has worked for you to promote creativity and innovation? What have you seen work for others?

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