“Ideas are an organization’s most valuable resource.
People create ideas. Therefore, people are the organization’s most valuable
asset. Treat them well.” —Wayne Nalls
It is the premier
challenge business has always faced: How to maximize revenues and minimize
costs? There are other problems internal and external but, without profits, it’s
hard to challenge the need for environmental improvement, employee benefits
improvements, social homelessness improvements, health and education, and
emergency support for disasters.
To be a force for
good, a business must have dollars to invest in improvements; rhetoric has it
limits. Where do the new profits originate? In addition to staying on the
technology edge to maintain and improve efficiency and effectiveness, how can
the organization maximize revenues and minimize costs?
I believe the
answer to this never-ending chase for profitability lies in the company’s
backyard; even within the organization. The power to innovate comes from people.
Your employees have million dollar ideas residing in their brains.
The demand for
creative thinking will drastically change the way employers think about their
employees. And innovative companies are working on that. Employees are not an
asset; they are the principal asset. And what is scary about that is that with
the end of their work shift, they carry home the organization’s most valuable
advantage.
Experience teaches
that a few people will suggest ideas for improvement but, the majority of
workers keep silent and collect their paychecks for the work they do. It makes
sense, if an employee is productive and receiving a paycheck for what they
produce, that tapping into their minds for creative ideas is a bonus for the
company.
Performance values
are factors that lead to job success. Employers should ask themselves, “When
was the last time I formed a team and challenged them to suggest ideas to solve
a company problem?” Was diversity of the team members considered? If you want
innovation, you want diversity. A mixture of perspectives and work experiences
and talents unlock a bevy of insights, ideas, and motivation.
Many organizations
are so busy operating that they fail to think their way to success. The goal is
to create an environment where all employees think about everything in new
ways. Here are four signs of a creative environment:
1. The organization commits to creativity and
innovation.
2. Leadership encourages people to imagine,
innovate, and experiment with new ideas.
3. There is good communication within and
between units.
4. People receive recognition and rewards for
creative performance.
Ideas are an
organization’s most valuable resource. People create ideas. Therefore, people
are the organization’s most valuable asset. Treat them well.
CHECKOUT MY BOOK, “MENTOR-IN-THE-MIRROR” at
AMAZON
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