Kids are always a joy to watch. Their innocence, playfulness and their extreme joy in conjuring up silly games with silly rules are perfect stress busters. Anytime kids play in the corridors or in the open spaces in my apartment community, I just stand and enjoy their actions. They find creative ways to keep themselves busy. And they ask some tough questions as well often making parents wonder how and what to explain.
Some interesting questions, I have faced : Why are trees taller than you? Who rings the bell in office for lunch? How come my aunt is your sister? As we grow up, our brain cells are filled with assumptions, pre-conceived notions, biases and acceptance of status-quo. Naturally, we just lose all curiosity to ask questions and sometime stop having fun. Adulthood can get very monotonous !!
As we continue to work remotely, the key ingredient of collocated environment is suddenly a huge impediment to building creativity. Is there anything that can be done about it? Here are some thoughts to consider
Build Curiosity
Encourage & motivate employees – ensure that all ideas are considered and ensure that employees are communicated & always kept in the loop about the progress of their ideas (irrespective of whether their ideas make the cut or not)
Encourage Ideas - Crowd source ‘working on the ideas’ to get people to contribute to the MVP’s (minimum viable products)
Build Persistence
Build incubation hubs within Business Units to identify & shape & take ideas with future potential forward. Be conscious of a networked remote team and carefully get volunteers to evangelise ideation
Gamification at Enterprise level (make it an annual awards events to recognize, promote & create a badge of honor)
Look for opportunities to co-design/co-develop ideas with clients
Leader as a coach
Regardless of the remote working situation, Leadership today has evolved from influencing a group of people to achieve their goal to enabling and supporting the team in achieving their maximum potential. Its therefore of paramount importance to practice “step back” management and empower teams with autonomy. Various studies and research has shown that an empowered team is lot more curious and creative than a tightly controlled team.