The Collaborative Art of Innovation
Author: Ava Cortez, Communication Strategist
As a teen, my hate for school was at an all-time high. The waking up early, smelly bus rides, and 12 pages of homework a day (I might be exaggerating. MIGHT) weren’t my thing. However, there was one week when all those cons were worth it. That week was spirit week. I used to love Spirit Week because you could visually see the school culture manifested in so many different forms. Different generations of classes collaborated to plan the best events and create memories with each other. Spirit Week was the heartbeat of high school and where I learned the impact collaboration and culture had on creativity.
Fast-forward 10 years later, my experience in the industry has shown me that business is kind of like high school. Same early mornings, the same smelly bus and RFPs are homework (thankfully, Legend Initiative doesn’t submit any). But despite those cons, there is something that gets me excited every day: my love for innovation.
Innovation is the heartbeat of business success and you’re going to understand that creating a culture that sparks creativity is more than a strategic move—it’s a game-changer. The collaborative spirit within your team can be the driving force behind groundbreaking ideas and campaigns. So, how do you cultivate a culture that not only appreciates creativity but thrives on it?
Embracing the Collective Creative Pulse
Why Creativity Matters
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s think about the “why.” In this era, where attention spans are brief and competition is intense, creativity becomes the secret sauce that captures the hearts and minds of your audiences. It’s the differentiator that transforms your brand from ordinary to legendary. A creative culture isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a strategic imperative that propels your business forward.
The Power of Diversity
Creativity isn’t a solo act— it blooms in a cooperative and diverse system. A culture that encourages collabs taps into the various perspectives of team members, creating an environment where ideas meet, mingle, and make babies named Innovation. When we tell companies to become more diverse and multicultural, it isn’t just for the sake of saying it. It’s because the synergy of different minds lets businesses tap into something special and elevate the collective genius of the team.
Crafting the Blueprint
Clear Vision, Clear Communication
If you don’t know, one of our tenets is to “Move with Clarity.” That’s because success and a creative culture begin with a clear vision. Communicate your expectations regarding the importance of creativity and content ideation. Paint a vivid picture of the role each team member plays in bringing that vision to life that way each member can be held accountable for their role in the culture. This level of clarity sets the stage for aligned efforts and shared goals.
Empower with Resources
Your team can’t do anything without the necessary tools and resources to do so. Therefore, creating a well-curated storage of inspiration, frameworks, and idea sources that act like a wellspring for innovative thinking is essential. Try to share your go-to platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook), industry articles, and creative methodologies to empower your team’s creative journey. Heck, even sharing a funny post in an E-mail can get those creative juices flowing.
Encourage Open Dialogue
Collaboration doesn’t work without communication. Promote an environment where team members feel empowered to express their ideas without fear of judgment. Create platforms for open dialogue, whether it’s through regular meetings, brainstorming sessions, or virtual collab tools. The more that ideas circulate, the richer the creative product becomes. Kissflow has a good article that shares how you can inspire collaboration and communication.
Innovation Week
Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, once said, “If you don’t innovate, you die.” he was right. When it comes to business, you must constantly evolve or your business will drown. So here’s my suggestion. Every quarter host an Innovation Week at your company. Treat it just like Spirit Week back in high school except gear it towards celebrating the company’s culture and finding new ways to grow, collaborate, and have fun.
