A CREATIVE PERSON BEING IGNORED MAKES THEM FEEL TRAPPED IN A BOX
How many passionate people are brought down by systems and structures that destroy their creativity? How many solutions have dissolved before they were even looked out because “the wrong person” suggested it or suggested in the “wrong way”? I’m sure great solutions were destroyed just because they are solutions and that creates anxiety to those used to the old ways. How many companies today are struggling unnecessarily because they don’t listen to their most important resource, their employees?
When a creative mind is stopped because of the reasons above they can just decide to go along with the flow even when they know the flow will soon be a drought. They can escape from their normal pursuits into a different world whether that be through the arts or other endeavors. Yet one thing we can be sure of their talents have been wasted. Here are a few ways you can make sure you don’t step on that creative spirit.
(1) Give the individual the chance to test their proposal on a smaller scale. Let this individual have the time, budget, timetable and measurements to make sure their plan works.
(2) Not only have a suggestions box but look at it on a regular basis. Reward those who have come up with suggestions that you adopt. Allow them the power to put those changes in effect.
(3) If you decide it’s not in the companies best interest to pursue this creative objective tell the individual clearly why and explain how it might work even on a much smaller scale. Make sure you thank them for their dedication and support.
