Creativity is the fuel that drives innovation, growth and vibrant work culture. It is a key element in discovering and utilizing the full potential of your team members.

If we, as managers, can help spark our employees' imaginations, we unlock an incredible force in propelling our businesses forward.

So how do we tap into that potential? We need to implement some basic techniques to ensure that we provide the right environment to encourage and nurture creativity. 

1. Share Your Own Ideas

A culture of open communication where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas and perspectives is ideal, but often easier said than done. A great way to encourage sharing ideas is to share your own.

Don't be afraid to say something. If you have an idea, mention it to a new employee and see what they think. Vulnerability is contagious. If you put yourself out there, others will feel comfortable doing so as well. 

An excellent structure that provides this open community is one where there is little hierarchy or at least it isn't perceived. If employees feel comfortable broaching new topics, mentioning ideas and approaching management or founders with their thoughts and suggestions.

If they feel heard and worthy of an audience, they are more likely to consider brainstorming and being innovative. Why do we limit our companies to the ideas in the boardroom?

Let's branch out to all the individuals that make a business run and if we lead by example with humbleness and sincerity, we may just find ingenuity. 

2. Team Brainstorming 

Utilize team discussions and brainstorming. As the saying goes, it takes a village! Encourage brainstorming sessions during the day with an open floor concept where anyone can speak.

This is an incredible tool for innovation, but also problem-solving. Encourage everyone to share what they are working on, the setbacks and successes. You never know who may be able to help or have a solution. 

If one employee has a spark of an idea, what you need to turn that idea into a concept you can build on are structure, formatting and evaluation. With a team effort of constructive criticism, pros and cons and building up the idea, you may actually have something you can use.

 A safe space free of judgment is key. Obviously, not every idea will be considered or run with, but if you foster an environment of openness, you may just be able to discover that one-in-a-million idea that changes the trajectory of your business. 

3. Promote Independence

Encourage independence and autonomy so that each individual has the time and freedom to spark imaginative ideas and run with them. Individuals need the space to develop ideas without the risk of constant criticism.

I encourage employers to allocate time for creativity. This is the ultimate catalyst for imaginative thinking. If employees have designated time to explore new ideas, research, brainstorm and experiment, that's what they'll do. A healthy work-life balance is critical to this.

No one is going to be able to let their imagination run if they are burning the candle at both ends. An exhausted, overworked employee is not capable of doing anything more than getting their priorities scratched off the to-do list.

Once they have the freedom to explore their own creative approaches, if they take ownership of their own work, they will also have a larger connection or investment in the idea.

This will give them the confidence to develop the idea thoroughly and workshop mistakes and challenges, so when they do present an idea – hopefully, it is a well-crafted one. 

Consider why your employees should go above and beyond for you. Are you a welcoming company, ready to embrace ideas, give them the attention they deserve and build off each other's imaginations collaboratively?

By adding these techniques to your culture, you will be on the right track to having thriving employees and an advancing business that leaves nothing undiscovered.

Inc