The idea of stimulating creativity might seem a little farfetched within the hospitality and casino industries. But the truth is that shared creativity is a crucial factor to success within any business. If you’re looking to easily increase your team’s natural creativity then there are a few simple steps you can follow to get started.
The need to be creative isn’t limited to artsy types. A team that is encouraged to be creative is one is able to adapt and innovate. Creativity allows companies the freedom to diversify and evolve their own systems.
They can not only see the best direction for their team but are able to work out what should be done in order to get them there.
Stirring up creativity in a fast paced industry like hospitality or casinos can be difficult. This is simply down to the nature of working within the business. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. These tips also have the added benefit of bringing your team together and helping to build your company culture.
1. Conduct more team discussions
One of the simplest ways to enhance your team’s natural creativity is just to get them involved. It sounds simple but you’d be surprised how many business limit idea developing discussions to senior members of staff. The mere process of inviting them to team discussions will encourage them to be more creative. Team discussions should involve absolutely all members of staff - right down to trainees and KPs. These can be especially useful around seasonal events like Christmas.
2. Switch up roles and responsibilities
If it feels like your team is lacking in creativity, they might just have found themselves at a motivational stalemate. Variety is certainly the spice of life, and that’s no different for the workplace. When your team find themselves doing the same thing over and over they are likely to lose interest in being creative or fuelling innovation. That is why it's a good idea to make sure that each team member undertakes a variety of different roles and responsibilities throughout their working week.
You could also help make use of other skills that you are aware of that don’t normally come into play from time to time. For example, you may be be trying to work out a campaign for summer parties so task a member of your team who is you know is a keen photographer or artist to help you.
3. Offer the option to make suggestions
One easy way to encourage your team’s natural creativity is by encouraging them to voice their ideas and suggestions. However, remember that not all staff members are going to be extroverts or comfortable speaking out, so consider a suggestion box or hosting free, open meetings every once in awhile to get people talking.
4. Approach issues with solution building in mind
It’s clear that berating staff for their mistakes doesn’t necessarily get the best results, but did you know that issues can actually represent an opportunity to get your team flexing their creative fingers? Take a positive stance and approach issues by asking team members to take ownership of issues together and build solutions.
5. Demonstrate creativity
One of the best ways to encourage creativity, and one that we can all enact simply, is to demonstrate it within ourselves. Show that you value creativity as a leader by being creative, but also by being interested in their own ideas and actually investing in them.