We’ve all been there: you’ve worked hard to assemble a team of talented individuals, but you’re still struggling to unlock the creative potential that you know is out there. The good news is that with the right approach, you can create an innovative team that will exceed your expectations. Here are some essential tips to help you get there.
Creating a Diverse Team
The first step to creating an innovative team is to build a diverse group of individuals. A diverse team brings a range of perspectives and skills that can spark creativity and lead to game-changing ideas. According to a study by McKinsey, companies in the top quartile for gender diversity are 15 percent more likely to have above-average financial returns than their peers.
When you’re building a team, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Consider candidates from different backgrounds, education levels, and work experiences. If you’re stuck for ideas on how to find diverse talent, consider using a recruiting agency or look for candidates in unexpected places.
Defining Roles and Responsibilities
When building an innovative team, it’s important to define each team member’s roles and responsibilities. This will help keep everyone on the same page and ensure that everyone is contributing their fair share. According to a survey by McKinsey, employees who understand their roles and responsibilities are more likely to be engaged in the innovation process.
Take some time to map out each role and then discuss it with each team member. This will ensure that everyone understands their individual responsibilities and can contribute to the team’s success.
Setting Clear Goals and Expectations
In order to create a successful product team, you need to set clear goals and expectations. This will help ensure that everyone is focused and productive, and that the team is working towards a common goal. According to Harvard Business Review, successful innovation often requires experimenting with multiple approaches and learning from failure.
When setting goals, be sure to set specific, measurable goals. This will help the team track progress and hold themselves accountable. It’s also important to set realistic goals and expectations that are achievable.
Establishing a Culture of Openness and Collaboration
Creating an open and collaborative culture is essential for encouraging innovation. This kind of environment encourages discussion, collaboration, and the sharing of ideas. According to a survey by Deloitte, collaboration is ranked as the most important factor for successful innovation programs.
Encourage open and honest communication amongst team members. Make sure that everyone feels comfortable speaking up and voicing their opinions, and that their ideas are taken seriously.
Empowering Team Members to Take Risks
Innovation requires taking risks. You need to create an environment where team members feel comfortable taking risks and experimenting with new ideas. According to Inc., innovation is about “trying things that could fail, and not worrying about it.”
Encourage team members to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions. Offer rewards for taking risks, and make sure that team members know that failure is an acceptable part of the innovation process.
Fostering an Environment Where Failure is Accepted
Finally, it’s important to create an environment where failure is accepted. This will help encourage experimentation and create a culture of learning. According to Forbes, successful innovation requires “failing fast and often.”
Create a culture where failure is not seen as a bad thing, but as a learning opportunity. Celebrate successes, but also take the time to discuss what went wrong and how the team can improve in the future.
The key to creating an innovative team is to put the right strategies in place. From building a diverse team to setting clear goals and expectations, to fostering an environment where failure is accepted, there are many steps you can take to create an innovative team that will exceed your expectations. Ready to unleash your team’s potential? Get in touch with Oneo today and see how we can help you create the ultimate innovative team.
