Company conformity is the buzzkill of creativity. Most individuals have been there sooner or later. Caught in a stifling atmosphere the place creativity is being sapped and worker character suppressed, simply to suit the company and ‘skilled’ mould.
The query is: how can staff really and confidently contribute their concepts in the event that they don’t really feel secure to take action, for concern of being referred to as out, challenged or instructed off?
As an alternative, what if we inspired staff to point out off their quirks, deliver their full character to work and really dial up who they’re and what they stand for? What if we embraced individuality within the office?
Firms that crack this code are those that unlock next-level creativity, create a thriving modern atmosphere and really set themselves aside from the pack. In the event you’re seeking to be a pacesetter in your trade, letting your staff be themselves is now not only a nice-to-have or a luxurious, it’s a enterprise crucial.
You may’t simply slap a ‘be your self’ sticker on the wall and count on magic to occur.
Company conformity kills innovation and hurts what you are promoting
Inflexible company cultures are like placing a straitjacket on innovation with zero room to wiggle. Chances are you’ll assume you’re preserving issues neat {and professional}, however in actuality, you’re clipping the wings of creativity throughout an enormous pool of expertise.
When staff really feel like they’ve to cover components of themselves or follow the identical previous company formulae, their considering stays contained in the field. It’s predictable, it’s secure, and admittedly, it’s stale.
Conformity may offer you consistency and ‘the same old’, however consistency hardly ever brings recent concepts to the desk. And in right now’s fast-paced world, the place competitors is fierce and disruption is the secret, innovation is your ticket to success. You want wild concepts, recent views, and daring problem-solving, none of which thrive in a conformist tradition.
Private expression fuels numerous considering
It’s no coincidence that the perfect concepts usually come from individuals who method issues from surprising and alternate angles. That’s what occurs if you encourage private expression at work. By permitting staff to deliver their full selves – their quirks, their humour, their outside-the-box considering – you create a tradition the place numerous concepts will not be simply welcomed however celebrated.
When individuals really feel snug being themselves, they’re extra more likely to share concepts overtly, with out concern of being judged, brainstorm on artistic angles with out holding themselves again, and collaborate boldly to deliver the perfect concepts collectively as a workforce.
This openness results in innovation since you’re now not getting the identical recycled solutions from individuals attempting to slot in. As an alternative, you’re getting recent takes and distinctive options that push what you are promoting ahead in new and thrilling methods.
Management’s position: empowering staff to be themselves
Leaders play an enormous half on this – they must be the instance. You may’t simply slap a ‘be your self’ sticker on the wall and count on magic to occur. It’s about constructing a tradition from the highest down the place individuality is really valued, at each stage within the office. Leaders should lead by instance – be open, present character, and encourage others to do the identical.
When staff see their leaders embracing their quirks and being actual, it sends a powerful message that they’ve permission to do the identical. It creates a ripple impact all through the entire firm, one which breeds openness, belief, authenticity, and, in fact, innovation. When individuals aren’t apprehensive about how they’ll be perceived, they spend extra time fixing issues and fewer time self-censoring.
You may domesticate a tradition of individuality with out descending into absolute carnage and chaos.
Cultivating a tradition of openness (with out sacrificing professionalism)
This half is the place HR can begin to really feel a bit nervous. ‘Gained’t issues get out of hand if we let everybody be themselves? The place’s the road between character and professionalism?’.
Nicely, right here’s some excellent news. You may domesticate a tradition of individuality with out descending into absolute carnage and chaos. Actually, permitting staff to be extra genuine doesn’t imply abandoning professionalism within the slightest. It’s about giving individuals room to breathe, specific, and contribute in ways in which really feel true to them, whereas nonetheless aligning with the corporate’s values and objectives.
Three actionable steps
Hopefully, you’re offered on the concept that encouraging staff to be themselves naturally results in larger innovation within the office, however what do you do subsequent? How do you really make this a actuality in your organization?
Listed below are three actionable steps to get you began:
Lead by instance
Encourage these in management positions to take step one by exhibiting off their very own character. It actually might be so simple as ditching the company jargon in conferences, or just sharing a private story within the firm e-newsletter.
When the leaders are genuine and actual, others will comply with swimsuit. To not point out it humanises the complete firm in a manner that makes staff really feel extra linked.
Construct areas for artistic expression
Create environments that create collaboration, genuine expression and free-thinking.
This may be by a casual brainstorming session, a strolling assembly within the park or a Slack channel the place staff can share concepts and react to messages with as many emojis as their coronary heart wishes.
Incorporate individuality into your values
Make ‘be your self’ (or related) a core firm worth. When it’s a part of what you are promoting DNA, everybody from the CEO to the latest rent is aware of that bringing their full self to work isn’t simply tolerated, it’s inspired (and anticipated!).
The enterprise case for worker authenticity
If you wish to lead your trade and get forward of the competitors, the key isn’t in additional boring guidelines or tighter pointers (which normally make staff really feel trapped). It’s in loosening the reins, embracing individuality, and letting your staff present up as their genuine, sensible selves.
