The 5 keys to unlocking innovation in a hybrid work environment
Akhilesh Sharma for Unsplash
Hybrid working is becoming our next reality.
There are bound to be headaches with communication and meeting protocols when some folks are in the office and others are working from home. These will eventually work themselves out. What will be more challenging is how to pursue creative problem-solving and innovation in hybrid teams. Even though you’re not working in the same location, you can still get creative and generate new ideas. Here are some things that will help when there’s a mixture of working at the office and working from home.
1. Continue to meet 100% virtually
Have everyone log in from separate locations, even if some typically work in close proximity. The idea here is to level the playing field: one of the most important concepts of creative problem-solving is that everyone’s voice is equal. If two co-workers are sitting next to each other or sharing a computer for the sessions, they will talk to each other. This immediately sidelines all the other voices. To ensure equal opportunity to contribute to the conversation, build small group conversations (e.g. breakout rooms in Zoom) into the agenda and have each group report back to the full group.
2. Practice effective communication
In video calls, the brain doesn’t pick up social cues that it's used to seeing when we interact with people face-to-face. When we’re in person we not only listen to the other person’s voice and look at their face, we also pick up on telltale hand and body movements. In video meetings, we have to work that little bit harder to listen and be heard... really hear each other and respond with respect – it’s one thing to prod at an idea to make sure it’s robust, but it’s unacceptable to disrespect someone for their idea or to find holes in someone else’s idea during a brainstorming session.
3. Use project management tools
It’s important that everyone involved knows the timeline, milestones, and critical junctions at which decisions need to be made. Use the project management tools you already have or upgrade to a new tool if the current one isn’t satisfactory.
4. Design special innovation events
Inject some excitement and fun into your creative problem-solving activities with an unusual event. Software companies, e.g., regularly host ‘hackathons’. What kind of event could you host in your company?
5. Walk the Dog
… and yourself. Motion is one of the easiest ways to generate new ideas. Take yourself out for a walk when you’re feeling stuck and be open to what comes to you. Taking physical breaks and relaxing also provides a mental break – play with your kids or pets, dance, or do a quick meditation.
What can you add to this list?
Are you looking for a weekly peer coaching group where you can implement these ideas or brainstorm new ones? Then consider joining the Leadership Lab: Creative Problem-Solving at Work. The Lab is a small group weekly online coaching forum for tackling workplace and business challenges using creative problem-solving techniques. Contact us for more info.
I believe that, with the right support anyone can learn creative ways to solve problems. If you’re not sure what tapping into creative potential could look like at your place of work, contact me at Ellia@ThePotentialCenter.com to arrange a call.