I used to be overwhelmed by the thought of innovation becoming a sign of the smart “new kids on the block” and as intimidating as it was, it created the mental blockages in my brain that screamed out the unbeatable resistance to change and growth.
These were also driven by all the books and literature out there that stipulated how innovation was about “thinking the unthought” and “creating the unimaginable”.
Amidst all this, I was being called and categorised as innovative. I was quite surprised at first but in deep contemplation, I realised that the real definition of innovation was simply what Tom Freston described it as. He said that “Innovation is taking two things that already exist and putting them together in a new way.”
My simple team work and ability to accept change and opposing views and trying new things whilst taking calculated risk of failure and learning all, cultivated an innovative working culture within my team.
Thus, innovation isn’t solitary; it thrives in the fertile soil of collaboration and unity. A beautiful symphony depends on each instrument playing its unique part, yet together they create a masterpiece that resonates through time.
Research from the Harvard Business Review (2023) reveals that organisations embracing collaborative creativity outperform their competitors by 33 per cent, proving that unity isn’t just a feel-good concept but a strategic necessity in today’s landscape. Unity and teamwork in the workplace is more than just working alongside each other; it’s a shared journey towards a common destination. It’s about aligning hearts and minds behind a singular vision, creating a gravitational pull that propels teams towards greatness.
The Journal of Organisational Behaviour, Journal of Applied Psychology, and Academy of Management Journal frequently publish research on organisational culture, employee engagement, and innovation. All these studies provide empirical evidence supporting the relationship between unity, purpose, and organisational performance.
When individuals unite under a shared purpose, their collective creativity becomes a force of nature. It’s like a kaleidoscope, where diverse perspectives converge to create an explosion of innovation. Teams characterised by unity and collaboration generate ideas that are not only more creative but also more viable and impactful because a multitude of personalities and perspective contributed to that idea.
“Innovation through unity” isn’t just a strategy; it’s a mindset. It’s about recognising that the sum is greater than its parts and that together, we can achieve the extraordinary. As we embark on this journey of collaborative creativity, let us remember the words of Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Tesla Motors isn’t just a car company; it’s a movement towards a sustainable future. Elon Musk, the visionary leader behind Tesla, once said, “Great companies are built on great collaboration.” Tesla’s success isn’t measured just by its groundbreaking technology but by the unity and passion of its people. From engineers to designers, every individual at Tesla is united by a shared mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.
You will ask me how to do this in your organisation, and I will not state the obvious but request that you implement these simple four changes.
Firstly, foster a shared vision. Paint a vivid picture of the future that ignites the imagination and inspires action. It’s not just about setting goals; it’s about creating a shared dream that everyone is eager to turn into reality.
Secondly, encourage diversity of thought. In a world where innovation is the currency of progress, diversity is the key to unlocking new frontiers. Embrace the mosaic of perspectives and experiences within your team, knowing that it’s the collision of diverse ideas that sparks the flames of innovation.
Thirdly, create collaborative spaces. Break down the barriers that separate people and ideas. Whether it’s physical barriers like cubicle walls or digital barriers like closed-door meetings, create spaces where collaboration can flourish and ideas can flow freely.
Last but not least, celebrate collaborative achievement. In the journey towards innovation, every milestone is worth celebrating. Recognise and reward teams for their collaborative efforts, reinforcing the value of unity and fuelling the fire of inspiration for future endeavours.
Join us in three weeks for another edition of Workplace Watch, where we’ll explore more trends shaping the future of work. Until then, keep growing, keep learning, and keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
– Ms Kooheji is a growth advocate
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