“Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity — not as a threat.”
Secrets of Innovative Teams are quite simple and can be summarized in one word: Positivity.
Positivity is seeing change as an opportunity—not a threat.
Positivity is throwing out ideas for innovation without team mates immediately shooting the idea down.
On the other hand, negativity is kryptonite to innovation and creativity. If you want to squelch creativity, make negative comments about any idea that is proposed.
It takes courage to throw out ideas. Some ideas may be not perfect, but they can be a building block to an outstanding innovation. Why risk throwing out an idea only to be critiqued for it?
So the greatest secret of innovative teams is to eliminate negativity and use only positivity to nurture creativity. All ideas should be written down so all team mates can see them, such as on a whiteboard and large monitor. Only positive comments are used. The ideas may not be perfect, instead of critiquing it, think of a way to build on the idea and make it better. No negativity for creativity and innovation. Instead, build upon the other’s ideas to address any negatives you see.
To try a Team Activity using Secrets of Innovative Teams use the following slide show.
To learn more about how personality types can enhance team creativity and innovation, go to Gifts Differing: Teams and Type.