How to Create an Enabling Workplace for Innovation — Lessons Learned.

If you are an innovator, then you are used to frustration. You are more likely to be the only one of your kind in a workplace. It takes more courage to be yourself at work when you are different.

This article is for people who want to create an enabling environment for innovation but find themselves stuck. It is geared towards entrepreneurs, managers, and company culture creators who want to make their workplace more innovative and forward-thinking. If you’ve had trouble getting your ideas off the ground or have been frustrated with the lack of innovation in your company, this article will provide some tips on how to overcome these challenges.

The importance of an enabling environment

One thing that many people who want to innovate don’t realize is that it takes more than an idea and a lot of drive. Ideas are only the starting point. There are several other things that need to be in place for innovation to take hold and grow.

The first is an environment that allows for creativity and innovation without fear of failure or ridicule. The environment needs to allow for new ideas and independent thinking, as well as the ability to work on ideas within a team setting without feeling like there is too much pressure.

The second thing needed is a clearly delineated process for getting an idea off the ground, from ideation all the way through testing and implementation. The process should be transparent enough so people know what they need to do next as their idea moves forward, yet flexible enough so they can explore outside-the-box ideas. This helps build trust in the system and fosters creativity among employees who don’t feel afraid to try something new without fear of repercussion.

How to create a good work culture

You often hear about the importance of good work culture, but it is often hard to know what that looks like. Do you need music blasting in the office? A ping pong table?

No.

This is what you need:

* Everyone in your company should feel like they can voice their opinion and be heard. There must be an understanding that everyone has a unique perspective and expertise. Employees should not be made to feel ashamed for their thoughts and opinions; they should feel free to speak them aloud.

* Employees should not fear change; they must be open to new ideas and encouraged to express their own thoughts on how things can be improved. This doesn’t mean that every idea will be accepted, but it does mean that employees will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on how best to move forward.

* People with different backgrounds and life experiences should be welcomed into your company culture without judgement or prejudice. The more diversity of thought, the better! It’s important to encourage people who may think differently than you do, bringing in perspectives from outside your own sphere of experience.

What to do when you’re frustrated and stuck

It’s time to shake things up. Whenever you feel stuck, it can help to change your environment. You may need a change of scenery or a new perspective. When you’re feeling frustrated with the lack of innovation in your company, there are two things that may help:

- Rethink your company culture

- Get out of your comfort zone

Conclusion

You don’t need to be an expert or have all the answers to build the kind of workplace that will help your team innovate. However, there are some key principles that will help you create an enabling environment for innovation.

1. Invest in your people

2. Create a culture of idea sharing

3. Encourage creativity

4. Listen to your people’s feedback

5. Seek out diverse opinions

6. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes

7. Be patient

8. Keep your eye on the goal

Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.