What stops an individual from willingly putting forward ideas? It is normal to feel uncertainty about our ideas and ourselves, especially when we are putting up ideas that are extensions of ourselves . There is a risk that others will see our ideas as insignificant, incompetent or unpopular. These feelings may lead to an individual (or group ) not presenting ideas so as to avoid the risk of being ignored, humiliated or rejected.
It is easy to see how imagination and creativity can be kept under control and stymied through the manipulation of such fears and insecurities. The responsibility of the manager of innovation is to provide an environment conducive to imagination and creativity, and free from the fears that restrict participation in the innovation process.
It is necessary to realise, however, that both the individual and the organisation are required to address inhibiting fears. The organisation must provide a supportive environment while the individual must develop the confidence to perform within that environment. There are four ways this can be facilitated.
Experience in an area, or in related or complementary areas, provides a base from which to be creative. By encouraging openness to the environment and the responses to that environment, the potential to access that experience- related creativity is improved.
It should be noted, however, that an individual may also be able to make a valid and creative contribution regarding areas outside of their experience, and may be able to bring new information or linkages.
Expression allows the communication of ideas, the development of concepts that are built on constructive interaction, and questioning that is free of embarrassment. Concern about how well an idea can be described and if it will be accepted will inhibit the sharing of ideas. Ideas can often be challenging and the expression of those ideas may threaten those individuals who cannot separate the idea from the person, leading to rejection of both.
All ideas have value. Having belief in an idea allows us to promote and follow through on it. Undervaluing an idea, whether by fear of humiliation or rejection, prevents the exploration of that part of the imaginative space. Evaluation of competing ideas often leads to the dilemma of proceeding with an unpromising idea or discarding prematurely a promising new one.
Imagination and creativity go beyond rational constructs and often require associative or non-linear thinking. Thinking freely beyond the boundaries without criticism is critical. Unconventional ideas require the strength to withstand the view that the idea is ˜unusual or perhaps not completely formed . Making associations requires an acknowledgment of the strengths and weaknesses of others and ourselves without judgment.