Shifting mindsets: Embracing innovation amidst busyness

This week, I was confronted with a surprising mindset from ann intelligent and competent colleague in junior management: "I am too busy to think about continuous improvement" and "Where should I find the time to innovate?"

That got me thinking about the culture of busyness - we are often obsessed with productivity and want every second of every day to be filled with tasks. But true productivity lies in innovation and continuous improvement. So, how do we change this mindset and cultivate a culture that values innovation despite the demands of daily tasks?

In my view, it starts by recognising that innovation doesn't always require large chunks of time. Encouraging small, incremental changes can lead to significant improvements over time. Integrating innovation into daily workflows makes it a natural part of the process.

I believe that leadership plays a crucial role in fostering this culture. Managers should actively encourage and reward creative thinking, providing resources and support for experimentation. By leading by example, we inspire teams to prioritise innovation.

Additionally, creating dedicated time for brainstorming sessions or innovation workshops can help teams focus on generating new ideas. By actively scheduling time to think, we can unleash the full potential of our teams and drive success in the ever-evolving workplace.