In what ways might managers and team leaders build and lead teams to maximise opportunities for innovation?

 

One of the strategies that a manager or a team leader can use to maximize opportunities for innovation is to promote collaboration. It involves bringing people together and designing the workplace such that it promotes socialization. Secondly, it is important to empower individuals and teams to make decisions and take actions. This involves trusting them in making safe risks and allowing them to try new ways of doing things. As a manager or a team leader, it is important to avoid being overly critical when things do not go the right way. This is because individuals are likely to hold back making any suggestions when they are afraid of potential consequences.

Thirdly, it is important to reward individuals and teams that demonstrate creativity. It is even preferable to publicly recognize those who demonstrate innovation in order to make the team more competitive. The fourth strategy is to promote diversity in the teams. This involves hiring individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures and different capabilities. Employees with different set of ideas, skills and problem-solving capabilities are likely to create an innovative approach. Lastly, it is critical to lead by example and provide support. Helping employee to break from routine roles in order to inspire new thoughts by going retreats and holding meetings out of the office can help to foster a culture of innovation. Moreover, proving training will help inspire new thoughts and approaches to solving problems.