Today, Recharging by the Book takes a look at how creativity can affect the modern day business world. It is a universally accepted fact that, in an ever-competitive world, businesses, organizations and institutions need new ideas and creative thinking to survive and thrive. Yet, in the modern corporate world, our workforce finds itself inhabiting small rooms full of computers and odd screens, working longer hours and with no time to recharge creatively. What effects will this have in our productivity and business performance?
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”― Maya Angelou
Making creativity a strategy
Our experience tells us that for creativity and innovation to work on your business, they must be properly structured and rooted in strategy. Yes, you read right – creativity can be a strategy.
When you’re creating a business plan, make sure you understand the issues and opportunities that present themselves to your company. If you’re having trouble assessing these, maybe consider hiring a consulting firm or a consultant first. Only then can you define your goals, lay out your strategy and unleash your business’ creativity.
Let your employees recharge their creativity
Over the last few years, brainstorming became a popular concept within the corporate world. Basically, it consists of bringing your team together to discuss ideas or solutions over a certain topic. Not only does it bring the expected optimized results of team work, but it has also been observed that the best outcomes often come from those who are not directly involved in the subject matter. Your IT guy might have a valuable suggestion for your marketing department – after all, he’s close enough to judge their work method, yet distant enough to see things objectively (not unlike a consultant!).
Working as a consulting firm or as individual consultants, we have also observed that some companies have a culture of presenteeism, demanding their employees to sit at their station up to eight hours a day, while others, like the technological giant Google, are famous for creating a dynamic workplace. In these latter cases, leisure rooms where the employees can recharge their energies and flexible work hours are common practices. Studies find that such companies often enjoy a happier, more driven and highly motivated workforce, which in turn translates into more productivity and gross profit.
Last but not least, if your company can afford it, set aside a small part of your budget for experimental projects. This will tell your employees you care about their inputs and give them the room to explore their creativity.
Use creativity to advertise
Creativity can be useful not only in internal communication, but also in external communications with customers, relevant press and major opinion makers in your area. If you’re currently seeking to advertise your company or brand, get your marketing or advertising agency to come up with something truly original that will differentiate your brand from all the others.
In some cases, you might even ask your employees for suggestions. Small local businesses have had great success in the past by asking their salesperson’s feedback or by having several of their employees engaging in guerilla marketing actions.
