Are you a creative, lateral Thinker but are in a risk averse, KPI driven workplace?

I have worked in women’s shelters and community settings for over 35 years and I have had the good fortune to work in teams that place high value on innovation and creativity.

I have also experienced workplace settings where creativity is not a high value and risk aversion takes priority over the uncertainty and organic nature of creative practices. Some staff, particularly those who have been working in that setting for a long time, can be very resistant to the development of creativity or arts based program tools.

It is important to remember that many people put down the coloured pencils and the storytelling books by the end of primary school and entered competitive, con-formative higher education systems that elevate science degrees over the arts.

I have written about the impact of the loss of the creative self here: The Magical Child In Exile

In-house programs are often poorly attended because there is a traditional classroom format which is very different than meeting around a table in a relaxed, informal, setting that also offers creative activities and opportunity for storytelling. Sharing our journey’s.

The following are some of the challenges and opportunities that a creative lateral thinker, grounded in grassroots community building may encounter when they work in a setting that places low value and resources on creativity and innovation:

1. Resistance to change: The existing team members may be resistant to adopting new ideas or approaches, especially if they are accustomed to traditional methods.
2. Lack of openness to uncertainty: The organisations emphasis on data and research trends may discourage experimentation and taking risks, hindering creative problem-solving.
3. Limited diversity of programs: The organisations rigid adherence to predetermined programs may restrict the ability to address the unique, diverse needs and circumstances of individual clients.
4. Inadequate client engagement: The organisations approach may prioritise data-driven outcomes over fostering meaningful relationships with clients, which can limit the effectiveness and impact of the services provided.
5. Mismatched values and priorities: The creative lateral thinker’s emphasis on community building and mutually beneficial relationships may clash with the organisation’s focus on KPIs and measurable results.
6. Lack of support from colleagues: The team members may not understand or appreciate the value of creativity and innovation, making it difficult to garner support and cooperation for new ideas.
7. Communication challenges: Articulating the benefits and potential outcomes of a more creative and diverse approach to the organisation’s management and colleagues can be challenging.

Tips for introducing creativity and innovation into a risk-averse environment with unreceptive team members:

1. Start small: Begin by implementing small, low-risk creative initiatives to demonstrate their value and build momentum gradually.
2. Highlight success stories: Share success stories from other organisation’s or similar projects that have embraced creativity and achieved positive outcomes to inspire and create a compelling case for change.
3. Educate and inform: Provide relevant research and evidence to support the benefits of creativity, diversity, and client engagement, emphasising how these factors can lead to improved outcomes and increased client satisfaction and workplace wellbeing for staff.
4. Foster collaboration: Seek out allies within the organisation who may be more receptive to creative approaches. Collaborate with them to develop and implement pilot projects that showcase the potential benefits of innovation.
5. Find common ground: Identify shared goals and values with team members and frame creative ideas in a way that aligns with these existing priorities, demonstrating how innovation can enhance the organisation’s overall mission.
6. Offer training and resources: Provide training sessions or workshops to equip colleagues with the necessary skills and knowledge to embrace creativity and innovation. Offer resources and tools that support the implementation of new approaches.
7. Celebrate and recognise achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate the successes and positive outcomes resulting from creative initiatives, publicly recognizing the contributions of team members who embrace and support innovative approaches.

Remember that patience and persistence are key when trying to introduce change in a risk-averse environment.

It may take time to shift mindsets and overcome resistance, but with a strategic and persuasive approach, it is possible to bring creativity and innovation to an organisation that initially may not be receptive