A smart business owner not only encourages innovative ideas from staff, but also follows up and implements fresh, new concepts.

It makes your team feel included, valued, and may pay dividends with great new systems.

So, how do you foster creativity in your crew?

Make brainstorming easy

When employees have a wide-open whiteboard to work with, you never know what ideas might come up.  A great digital version is Stormboard where each digital sticky note can house its own whiteboard for a productive brainstorming session.

Encourage individuality

Let your employees know you value their thoughts and ideas by showing genuine interest with follow up questions.  What started as a watercooler quip may evolve into a game-changing concept.

Provide a stimulating atmosphere

Consider a workspace that has ambient noise.  Avoid sterile whites, greys, and beige in favour of relaxing pastel colours with bold orange or red in the shared space for a more energised atmosphere.