Creative flexibility is the buzzword of the fast-paced contemporary world. However it is a must for everyone, especially for the leaders who must be an example to other people. Adaptability with out-of-the-box thinking and innovation is the hallmark that differentiates leaders from the others. Such an environment does not happen overnight; rather, it is done intentionally with leadership practices and strategies in place that could allow groups of people to flourish creatively without losing sight of the key goals.
Let’s start by breaking down some concrete practices of leadership that will help you foster creative flexibility within your team.
1. Set Clear, Flexible Goals
The most powerful leadership practice, I believe, is to be clear about your goals, but flexible about how to get there. That’s paradoxical, so let me illustrate the two with an example or two. Creativity thrives in settings in which boundaries exist, but too much rigidity suffocates it. And setting goals that define where you want to go without defining exactly how you get there frees the team to explore new solutions.
Tip: The end should be defined, and the means should remain open to various approaches that your team may be able to bring forward. Your own team will provide creatively valid solutions that you didn’t even think of.
2. Encourage Open Communication and Collaboration
Creativity thrives in the space of people that are encouraged to share their ideas without fear. As a leader, it’s your job to create an open communication culture that encourages wild ideas, takes the problem out of its silo, and brainstorms together without fear of judgement.
Guiding Principle: Hold regular brainstorming sessions and encourage participation from everyone. The more voices you bring to the conversation, the greater the pool of creative input.
3. Learn from Failure
Let’s face it-failure is a key component of any creative process. If you want your team to be flexible and innovative, you have to create a culture that does not view failure as a setback but rather as learning to do it better the next time around. This can be difficult to achieve, especially at times when deadlines and outcomes hang precariously in the air, but the long-term benefit is quite undeniable. Those individuals not afraid of failure can be that much more innovative and bold in thinking.
Action Step: Summarize mistakes as “learning moments.” Clarify what happened, how it could have turned out otherwise, and what the team will do to benefit from the experience and grow stronger.
4. Provide the Right Tools and Resources
Creative flexibility often hangs in the balance when the team is adequately equipped. Whether it is technology, time, or even the right kind of workspace, providing your team with the tools to get the job done goes a long way in helping to nurture creativity. Start by asking your team what they need to bring their ideas to life, and do your best to deliver those resources.
Pro Tip: Sometimes, even the simplest things, like a whiteboard, idea board, or even a quiet space, can be a great boon for creativity. Listen to your team and give them what they need.
5. Lead by Example
Leadership sets the tone of the whole organization. If you really want flexibility in creative work, be flexible yourselves. Demonstrate to the rest of your team that you’re open to new ideas and willing to change direction whenever necessary. Moreover, don’t fear mistakes; be eager to learn from them. With you leading with curiosity and flexibility, your team will feel capable of doing the same.
Reflection: How might I demonstrate creativity flexibility in your and my work? Next, implement that mindset incrementally each day.
6. Encourage Autonomy
Creativity kills micromanagement. If you want your team to develop creative solutions, give them the autonomy to do that. Enable them to take decisions, to take risks, and to own their projects. It all boils down to trust. When your team knows you believe in them, they will step up.
Quick Win: Make a project something the team owns, start to finish. Check in as needed but let them be in charge. See the innovative solution that occurs when people are trusted.
7. Be Flexible and Yielding to Change
Finally, flexibility starts with you as a leader. Are you somebody who embraces new ideas, or are you more of an “if-it-works-that-is-good-enough” sort of leader? To lead a creatively flexible team, you must be willing to change and pivot when necessary. Sometimes the best ideas come from the unlikeliest of places.
Leadership Insight: Stay curious. Raise questions, investigate options, and don’t ever be fearful of changing back to a different plan or approach.
Wrapping It Up
Innovative teams and brilliant leaders are characterized by creative flexibility. The environments must encourage adaptability, open communication, and the mindset that failure brings lessons. This way, you empower your team to push beyond limits and do even more than you ever thought possible.
At Being In Action Coaching, we have a knack of equipping leaders to inspire creativity while maintaining a focus. So if you’re ready to up the ante of your leadership practice, let’s chat! We’ll build a culture that is remarkable in its creative flexibility and sees your team and business propel forward.
