Simply put, ideation is the literal action of forming ideas, from their conception to real-world application and implementation.
Encouragement of Ideation in a workplace can be rather hit and miss at times for several reasons.
- People may hesitate to share their ideas because they fear that their ideas will be rejected, criticised, or ridiculed. They may worry about damaging their reputation or being seen as incompetent.
- Individuals may lack confidence in their own ideas or abilities, which can prevent them from taking the initiative to submit their ideas. They may doubt their creativity or believe that their ideas are not valuable or worthwhile.
- Heavy workloads, tight deadlines, or limited resources can discourage people from engaging in ideation. When people are overwhelmed with their day-to-day responsibilities, they may not have the time or energy to dedicate to generating and sharing ideas.
- Probably the most common reason is past experiences of having ideas rejected or not being recognised for their contributions can make individuals hesitant to participate in ideation. Negative experiences can create a sense of disillusionment or a belief that their ideas won't be valued.
Here are some approaches that we are adopting to encourage a supportive Ideation function within our Practice:
- Create a Supportive Environment: Foster a workplace culture that values and encourages ideation. Make it clear that all ideas are welcome and will be considered without judgment. Emphasise that brainstorming and innovation are vital for the growth and success of the team, organisation and ultimately our clients.
- Lead by Example: Be proactive in generating and sharing your own ideas. When colleagues see you actively participating in ideation, it sets a positive example and encourages them to do the same.
- Communicate the Purpose: Explain the significance of ideation and how it contributes to the team's goals and objectives. Help colleagues understand that their input is valuable and can lead to positive outcomes, such as improved processes, innovative solutions, or new opportunities.
- Provide Resources and Tools: Offer resources and tools that facilitate the ideation process. This could include providing access to relevant research, industry trends, or ideation platforms/software that enable colleagues to share and collaborate on ideas more effectively.
- Organise Brainstorming Sessions: Set up regular brainstorming sessions or workshops where colleagues can come together to generate ideas collectively. Create a structured format, encourage active participation, and ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute. Consider using techniques like mind mapping, role-playing, or the Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse (SCAMPER) method to stimulate creativity.
- Recognise and Reward Ideas: Acknowledge and appreciate colleagues' contributions by recognizing and rewarding innovative ideas. This could involve public recognition, incentives, or even implementing successful ideas and giving credit to the originators. This recognition reinforces the importance of ideation and motivates others to participate.
- Provide Feedback and Support: When colleagues submit ideas, offer constructive feedback and guidance. Even if an idea may not be feasible in its current form, provide suggestions for improvement or alternative approaches. Demonstrating that their ideas are valued and taken seriously will encourage further participation.
- Foster Collaboration and Collaboration Spaces: Encourage colleagues to collaborate and share ideas with each other. Create spaces or platforms, such as team meetings, online forums, or collaboration tools, where individuals can bounce ideas off one another, provide feedback, and refine their concepts collectively.
- Remove Barriers: Identify and eliminate any barriers or fears that may hinder colleagues from submitting their ideas. This could include addressing concerns about criticism or fear of failure. Emphasize that ideation is a safe and non-judgmental space and that all ideas are valuable contributions, regardless of the outcome.
- Continuous Learning and Development: Provide opportunities for colleagues to enhance their ideation skills through workshops, training, or professional development programs. Offering learning resources and fostering a growth mindset helps individuals become more comfortable with ideation and encourages them to submit their ideas.
Creating a culture of ideation is an ongoing process. Consistently applying these strategies and actively supporting and nurturing colleagues' ideation efforts will contribute to a more innovative and collaborative work environment.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and how your organisation supports Ideation!
