3 WAYS TO STAY INNOVATIVE WHEN LEADING A TEAM AS A MANAGER

When you first step into a leadership or management role, it’s great.

You’re full of fresh ideas, eager to elevate your team’s performance, and driven to inspire creativity at every opportunity. In the beginning, things usually go well; you're building a solid foundation, your team is motivated, and you're implementing strategies that feel like they’ll propel everyone forward.

But then, as the daily stressors and unexpected challenges pile up, your initial enthusiasm can begin to wane.

At first, you might tell yourself it’s just temporary — once you’ve got everything under control, you’ll get back to focusing on those innovative ideas. But soon, you find yourself caught in a cycle of constantly playing catch-up, and those plans to drive creativity get pushed further down your priority list. Before you know it, you're stuck in a routine of just getting things done rather than thinking about how they could be done better.

You might suddenly realise that the drive you once had to stay innovative has slipped away. This could manifest in subtle ways, like a lack of new ideas or reduced creativity, or in more obvious signs such as a clear dip in team performance, a negative change in company culture, or lower team satisfaction. It's so important to know that innovation isn’t just something that benefits you as a manager — it’s a crucial element that impacts your entire team and their approach to work.

Without innovation, a team can quickly stagnate.

While consistency in certain areas is important, relying too heavily on the same old methods can lead to diminishing results. This could be due to decreased productivity, a dull work culture, or worse, a higher turnover rate as employees look elsewhere for more stimulating work environments.

So, how can you reignite that innovative spark? Here are three ways to stay innovative as a leader and keep your team thriving.

LEAN ON THE INNOVATION OF YOUR EMPLOYEES

It’s easy to fall into the trap of seeing your employees as people who complete set tasks and then go home. But the truth is, the best leaders understand that their team members possess unique skills and perspectives that can genuinely support and enhance the team’s goals.

Why else is it called a team?

Each member is there to contribute their own take on things, and that includes helping you identify new and innovative ways to improve processes and outcomes.

For many managers, the idea of relying on their employees for innovative ideas can feel degrading. There’s often an unspoken pressure to always have it all together, especially in front of your team. However, there’s tremendous strength and maturity in recognising the value that each person brings and acknowledging that their input can be crucial to driving innovation.

From an employee's perspective, being asked for input on creative and innovative ideas by their manager can be incredibly empowering. It shows that they’re valued as more than just task-doers; they’re seen as key contributors to the team’s success. This creates a sense of ownership and encourages collaboration, which in turn boosts morale and enhances the overall culture of the workplace.

You'll also be far more respected than the manager who is clearly overwhelmed but would never trust their employees to support them.

DELEGATE TASKS MORE EFFECTIVELY

Leadership naturally comes with a high workload, but have you ever considered that you might be taking on more than necessary?

It’s a common concern among managers that if they delegate tasks, those tasks won’t be completed to the standard they expect. But what if the opposite is true? What if delegating not only alleviates your workload but also leads to more innovative ways of getting things done?

The reality is that your team is likely full of capable individuals who are not only willing to support you but are also eager to take on more responsibility. If someone’s workload allows for it, giving them a task to handle can not only relieve your immediate pressure but might also result in a fresh perspective on how to approach the task more efficiently. This can lead to smarter, quicker, and more innovative solutions that you might not have considered.

Effective delegation frees up your time to focus on strategic thinking and innovation while simultaneously allowing your team members to grow and contribute more meaningfully. It’s a win-win situation and it helps keep the creative juices flowing across the board.

EMBRACE A CULTURE OF CONSTANT LEARNING

Innovation thrives in an environment where learning is encouraged.

As a manager, it’s vital to cultivate a culture where both you and your team are constantly learning and developing new skills. This doesn’t just mean formal training sessions, but also encouraging curiosity, exploring new ideas, and staying informed about industry trends and advancements.

As a leader, you should also model this behaviour. Show your team that you’re committed to your own growth by engaging in learning opportunities yourself. This not only sets a positive example but also ensures that you’re always bringing fresh perspectives to the table.

It's important to note that learning doesn’t always have to be structured. Sometimes, the most innovative ideas come from spontaneous brainstorming sessions, cross-departmental collaboration, or simply taking the time to think creatively. Make it a priority to carve out time for these activities in your schedule and encourage your team to do the same.

- Written by Oliver Howson