Introducing innovative ideas into any environment can feel daunting, especially when there is a possibility they might shake up the status quo and cause disruption. However, it is precisely these innovative ideas that often drive progress and lead to positive change. Despite the initial apprehension, there are strategies that individuals can employ to navigate these challenges effectively and ensure their innovative ideas are received positively.

Innovation is the lifeblood of progress in any organisation. Embracing innovation in the workplace is not just about implementing new technologies; it is about fostering a culture that values creativity, experimentation, and continuous improvement. Here are five ways you can embrace innovation in your workplace:

1.    Introducing innovative ideas

When it comes to innovation, the first step almost always starts with bringing new and fresh ideas to the table. This can also be one of the more intimidating aspects of the process, but it is crucial to any organisation’s growth and innovation journeys. Some ideas may even be disruptive, and it is important to know how and when to pitch them. As Jean Stephens, Senior Advisor - Member Development and Recruitment at RSM International, observes, “There is certainly no perfect time, nor a perfect way to put forward innovative ideas; but, if something is going to cause disruption, think critically about it and have conversations with others to ensure you have the perspective of others. Make sure you understand, as much as possible, the opportunities, the risks, and who will be affected. From that, you can assess what this would achieve and why you are prepared to make the proposal.”

Additionally, Stephens continues, “We gain confidence through experience and practice. You can grow in confidence even when things are difficult – just put yourself out there and keep going.”

2.    Be resilient

Change can be intimidating, especially when it challenges established norms and routines. However, embracing a mindset of resilience and adaptability is crucial to growth. “In a fast-paced environment with constant client demands,” says Maria Severino, Partner, Tax Growth & Industry Leader, RSM US LLP and Tax Leader at RSM Canada, “there will be days that are hard and sometimes things can feel like too much to take on. On those days, drum up your inner warrior, and remember that it is persistence that really drives innovation. There is nothing more rewarding and no sense of greater accomplishment than to reflect back and see the impact you have made by embracing innovation and change.”

3.    Foster a growth mindset

Fostering your own curiosity and embracing a diverse range of perspectives can help us to develop a growth mindset. “Curiosity plays a critical role in developing a growth mindset,” says Nicole Mohan, National Sustainability Lead and Principal at RSM Australia. “Learning from each other and sharing the way that we do things is a great way to develop it. These experiences give us different perspectives from our usual frame of reference - develop your connections, actively seek out opportunities, and contact people from different backgrounds that you can strike up conversations with. This curious attitude will not only help to develop a growth mindset, but it will also help you gain perspectives and ideas that you would not otherwise have.”

4.    Seek guidance and encourage confidence in others

Seeking guidance from trusted advisors and engaging in conversations with others provide access to diverse perspectives. This can help you to build your own confidence in embracing your own creativity and innovative ideas. As Stephens says, “If you are addressing something for the right reasons, you should be able to have healthy conversations and seek guidance from trusted advisors - this is something I find absolutely critical.”

Additionally, innovation and creativity are not something that thrives purely at an individual level. We can encourage our colleagues and friends to find their confidence, too. “Empower your team and allow people to ask you questions,” says Mohan, “Do not get defensive when people have different approaches or opinions, or else people will stop speaking to you when they are not sure. If you create an environment that allows for questioning, people feel more comfortable to bring their ideas and different spectrums of how we have done things and ways to improve.”

It is also important to recognise successes. Severino adds, “Celebrating success goes a long way to creating that psychological safety, comfort level, and that confidence to put forward alternative ideas, which benefits all of us.”

5.    Build time for yourself

It is easy to get completely lost in your usual work schedule and lose creative time for yourself in the day-to-day. Creating dedicated time and space for innovation within your work routine can help to foster a positive and creative environment for yourself (and consequently, others) that encourages exploration and collaboration. As Candice Eaton Gaul, Global Leader for Diversity and Inclusion at RSM, says, “Creativity and innovation are certainly negatively impacted in time-scarce situations. People need time to think, to bounce ideas, to do a bit of research, and importantly, to be able to have a positive frame of mind, which is critical for exploration and experimentation. It is well known that stepping outside of our usual, physical space, where thinking is supposed to happen, and mixing that with being distracted by a routine task, can give the rest of your brain enough airspace to have exploratory thoughts.”

“Be intentional and deliberate about building creative capacity,” Severino adds. “Creating time for innovation, narrowing your focus to key priorities, creating time for reflection and bringing people together to promote collaboration. By doing so, you send a message to others around you that it is valued and important.”

Embedding innovation into your DNA

Ultimately, the idea of embracing innovation starts at the individual level, and requires a commitment to open-mindedness, collaboration, and continuous learning. As said by Eaton Gaul, “Each of us has the ability to contribute to the environment that we create around us, regardless of occupational level, qualification, service line or any other difference we may have from the next person. It is up to each of us to raise questions in a way that encourages conversation, and, conversely, to take questions that are raised with us in a way that assumes positive intent.”

To embrace innovation, we must embrace our own creative processes and have the courage to ask questions and seek diverse inputs. If you are able to master this, then you will find yourself much more able to take charge of change and drive innovation for yourself, for businesses, and for the world around you.

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