The John Adair Handbook of Management and Leadership

Chapter 4: Creativity and innovation 69

4 Encouraging teamwork and innovation

In innovation it can be said that none of us is as good as all of us.

Teamwork and innovation are better in organisations where:

• the climate is open


• participation is encouraged


• facts and information are readily available


• change is managed positively


• resources are provided for training and development


• rules are at a minimum (with policies and guidelines instead)


• internal communications are good and more by mouth than
  memo


• respect is given to all colleagues (but not on demand by
  management – it has to be earned)


• managers are themselves highly motivated


• teamwork often transcends departmental boundaries.

5 Good at open and constructive communication

Communication should be good laterally andvertically (and flatter

organisations should – in theory, at least – encourage good lateral

communication). Managers should ensure a good flow of

information – ideas can emerge as a result. Cross-fertilisation can

create more (and better) ideas, particularly where departmental,

divisional boundaries are crossed.