4 April 2017

Collaborative creativity, the key to innovate within your company

keys to collaborative creativity in business

We are all creative and we are all born with the ability to be creative. However, we would never say that everyone is creative. Does creativity fade with age, does it need to be practised, and how can creativity be encouraged? collaborative creativity in business?

What is certain is that the environment influences, The ability of a person to generate new ideas is, to a large extent, a key factor in the ability of a person to generate new ideas. This is also true in the workplace. The type of boss we have and the atmosphere in the team can either boost creativity or eradicate it altogether.

It will never be the same in a group where, on a daily basis, there is discussion and debate. exchanges of information that can be the seed of a great idea.; than one in which communication is conspicuous by its absence.

Creativity is very important in the workplace, especially if one of the company's objectives is to innovate. The former gives way to the latter and they go hand in hand.

Businesses need creativity to innovate in determining areas of their business. Whether to improve the product or service they offer or to find new ways of communicating with potential customers.

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Innovating through collaborative creativity

Creativity does not come out of nowhere. It is born from people's interactions, when we receive new information, see a picture, listen to a song… Creativity is being in touch with the outside world, with our surroundings.

This is why, in recent years, the concept of collaborative creativity. It is a new way of approaching the idea generation process in which diversity, interconnection and exchange are given importance.

Traditionally, creativity has always been discussed from an individual point of view. However, any creative effort is much more effective if carried out together. Collaborative creativity aims to accelerate the creative development of individuals through broad and diverse cooperation between them, avoiding the Toxic work environment. Its benefits are extensive:

  • Working in a group will allow you to analyse a larger number of different points of view or perspectives.
  • The opinions of several people when evaluating an idea will always be better than that of just one.
  • People are sources of inspiration and fuel for creativity. A conversation can give rise to a multitude of ideas.
  • Increasing employee productivity and motivation by having more colleagues on the same ship. Also taking into account motivation dynamics for remote workers.
  • It invites you to think big, as involving several people in a creative process is challenging.

How to boost collaborative creativity in a team

Creativity is like a habit that requires a certain amount of practice or training. If you want to get your team to be a hotbed of ideas, put these tips into practice:

Encourages interaction

Organise sessions or talks where topics related to creativity and innovation within your own area are discussed. Contact with people will be the best source of creativity within your team.

2. Embrace diversity

Sex, religion, ethnicity, field of study... Diversity equals creativity. If the whole team is the same, you'll all think the same way. A combination of different people will lead to new perspectives.

3. Create a cohesive team

Only if we feel comfortable with our colleagues will we dare to share any idea that comes to mind. Fear or shame are a brake on creativity.

4. Give time to those who need it

Not everyone has the same capacity for generating ideas. Nor will everyone be outgoing enough at first. Be patient and give them room to bring out the best in themselves.

5. Include an analytical person in the team

Although it may seem like they only tear down others' ideas, what they are doing is bringing them down to earth. A balanced team will have at least one member with this profile.

6. Promotes a relaxed atmosphere

Creativity doesn't flow in sad environments. A sense of humour and enthusiasm are necessary ingredients for a good idea. Start meetings in a different way and make your team feel comfortable and eager.

As we have seen, creativity arises when people find themselves in an appropriate environment and a stimulating atmosphere.

Creating this ecosystem will be a necessary condition for having a team that exudes collaborative creativity and innovation.

Edenred Spain

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