Creating and sustaining an environment that supports the unleashing of creativity and innovation of all employees

In every organization, employees have discretionary energy to offer. This will be offered when they feel heard, valued and appreciated. Creating a safe space is an essential characteristic needed for discretionary energy to be available to the organization, and the leader's role in this is critical. 

Creating an engaged, learning environment happens when employees are encouraged to offer their ideas and thoughts and they are really listened to. This is the leader’s responsibility – to seek diverse opinions, to encourage and offer a space and time for contribution of thoughts, ideas and challenges.

Working on the following five behaviours enhances the creation of a supporting and safe working environment:

• Safety - I create an open and safe working climate for others to speak up freely without fear of being ambarrassed, marginalized or punished in any way
• Seeking Diverse Opinions - I actively seek suggestions and opinions that are unexpected and out of line with the common view
• Learning Climate - I create a positive learning climate where errors become learning opportunities
• Enabling Voice - I enable others to contribute their thoughts, observations and ideas and put their voice in the room
• Supporting Challenge - I encourage and support others to challenge the status quo