Advice for Employers

1.  Instead of using a suggestion box you should set up a suggestion system in the company.  The system should have as little red tape as possible and include all workers.  All creative ideas should be given consideration.  Monthly meetings will review and report back on ideas and reward employees whose ideas have a positive impact.

2.  Consider the brain of each employee as a valuable company asset.  Give workers permission to develop new ideas and products.  Encourage your employees to be creative and show interest in their projects.

3.  Allow all workers to move around and observe colleagues in different departments.  Arrange company retreats and encourage interaction and communication.  Creativity comes from sharing ideas and working together.

4.  Use money as a reward for creative ideas that are successful but not for ideas that are not developed.  Allow workers to take their ideas to other companies if your company does not have the ability to implement it.

Advice for Employees

1.  Understand the company you are working for.  Visit other departments, talk to colleagues and look into ways of incorporating your creative idea into the business.

2.  Make sure you are aware of your company’s plans and directions.  Adjust your creative idea so that it will tie in with the company’s policies for development or expansion.

3.  If you have a creative idea then work on it during your spare time.  Don’t stop working at the weekends or after your day’s work, carry on with your project.  Ask your company for permission to use their resources to develop and explore the potential of your idea.

4.  Sign up for courses or go on seminars that are related in some way – however loosely – to your own ideas.  You will meet like minded people and feel inspired to work hard to bring your creativity to life.