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.