Innovation Coach

5 Ways to Be More Innovative At Work

Are you ready to be innovative at work but feel stymied? You might feel your position doesn’t require creativity. Or you may work for a risk-averse company. If you work from home, you might struggle more because of the lack of in-person interaction. It is possible to become more innovative to help both your company and your job in each case.  

5 Tips to Be More Innovative at Work

The stuffy office of the 20th Century is quickly being usurped by the 21st Century. Technology has grown so that you can work from an office, a coffee shop, or your home. Yet, as much as things have changed, they stay the same. Some companies like the old ways and shudder at the thought of new ideas. Others welcome new ideas, but working from home seems to stunt creativity. Here are five tips to increase your innovation at work:

Refresh Your Current Surroundings:

Take ownership of your workspace, and spruce is up for creative thinking. Start by decluttering your desk. If you have your own office, rearrange the furniture if possible. Find a spot on your wall for a brainstorming wall to place all your ideas when they come to you.

Create an Inspiration Wall:

Put up inspiring quotes or beautiful photos. Anything that captures your attention and gives you pause. It can be a birthday card that made you burst out in laughter. The goal is to capture those things from the outside world that inspire you in your daily workday.

Step Outside:

Break the monotony that often comes with working within four walls by going outside. You might be able to work out on a picnic table, or you may only be able to take a walk. The point is to refresh your brain with a location change.

Seek Out a Kindred Spirit:

Innovation works best when you have someone to bounce ideas off of and learn from. Seek out a co-worker that is ready to bring in some creativity and wants to collaborate. Soon, you will feel the creative juices flowing.

Control the Negativity:

This may be the hardest tip because negativity can come from anywhere. You might get it from your boss or other co-workers. The worse source is from yourself. You may be able to shut out others but still struggle with negative emotions. It helps to learn to compartmentalize your feelings. Your inspiration board will help, too.

You can become more innovative at work by using the above tips. Not only will you grow professionally, but your personal life will benefit, too.

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