New ideas can help a business stay ahead of the competition, come up with innovative solutions and retain a solid team of engaged employees. Ninety-nine percent of marketers say consistently producing ideas is key to their success.
And B2B marketers say they need 67 ideas per quarter to be successful. Benefits of idea generation include revenue growth, providing a better customer experience and developing new service/product lines. The best way to create a steady stream of fresh ideas is to encourage idea generation among staff. We discuss how to generate new ideas with five easy tips.
1. Give staff space
Allow staff to make decisions on their own. Working without supervision can let star performers really shine. Providing team members with the autonomy to develop their own ideas can significantly increase their confidence and motivation to succeed. If needed, leaders can provide parameters or give guidance to ensure employees are headed in the right direction.
Giving staff space helps team members establish ownership of a project and makes their work feel more meaningful.
Be sure to give positive feedback and praise for their efforts. If their ideas need tweaking, they’ll appreciate constructive feedback—especially when coupled with a small appreciation gift for employees, like mechanical pencils, an iridescent ceramic mug or a tin of signature truffles, to thank them for their contributions.
2. Pay attention
Employees are more motivated to come up with new ideas—and share them—if they feel their innovative thinking is valued. Let staff know you love to hear their ideas and will give them your full attention. Put serious thought into what they’re saying, even if your first impression is that it may not work. Ask your employees questions to help dig deeper into the logistics and practicality of their proposal, as well as any benefits that implementing the ideas may bring. And always find something positive to say, even if the company doesn’t end up using their idea.
3. Dedicate brainstorming time
Brainstorming provides diverse viewpoints, encourages critical thinking and sparks creativity. Implement a system that devotes blocks of time for team members to think of new ideas. Let them know that nothing is off the table, and they should jot down everything that comes to mind. Also let them decide if they want to brainstorm by themselves or with a group. Once they have an initial list of ideas, ask them to revisit it in a week or two to narrow it down to their top suggestions to present to leadership.
4. Create a culture of improvement
Eighty-six percent of staff from digitally maturing companies say they spend at least 10% of their work time experimenting or innovating.
Steady improvement is part of these companies’ structures, so it’s only natural for staff to spend a large amount of time working on ways to grow.
When team members know that your organization is constantly looking to improve, it can be easier for them to present ideas that might make growth possible. It can also help them feel more at ease when talking about any gaps they may notice. Make sure new hires understand the culture of improvement by discussing it during their onboarding. The fresh perspectives they bring to the table can be invaluable.
5. Reward ideation
Bonuses, rewards and recognition are great incentives for staff to generate new ideas. Think creatively and try to offer incentives that are personalized to each individual. Depending on the scope of ideas presented, rewards could include a cash payout, a gift card, an opportunity to attend a professional development conference or small appreciation gifts for employees. Create a thank-you basket with items like a Master Stainless Steel Watch, Wooden Yo-Yo and Bamboo Accent Duo Charging Cable.
Encourage idea generation
Help your business continue to grow by encouraging staff to come up with new ideas on a regular basis. With these strategies for how to generate new ideas, like giving staff space, paying attention and creating a culture of improvement, they’ll be throwing out winning ideas in no time.
Key Takeaways:
- Give staff space to brainstorm
- Pay attention when ideas are presented
- Create a culture of improvement
- Reward ideation