Would you like your staff members to come up with their own solutions, or rely on you for the answers? Here are some tips for bringing out the creativity in your team.
Be clear and concise
Have clear outlines of what is expected to be done and any other expectations you have (how long it should take etc). Be open and encourage clarification so you are both on the same page.
What does your staff member need?
Find out the expectations of staff and what needs they may have.
Be supportive
Be a support person, ask if the other would like help in creating milestones along the way. Ask if they would like help with ideas of how to go about certain tasks and if they do, provide someone helpful that is willing to support them.
Notice what is happening in the moment
If you sense tension while discussing outcomes with another, appropriate questioning could help here. Ask yourself, is this a supportive process? What questions would be helpful to ask the other person to clarify their thoughts?
Open to learning
Being open yourself to new ideas from others and learning will take away any strain of always having the answers and promote creativity for both parties. Take notice next time you work with someone. See if there are ways that are likely to suppress creativity in your workplace, try new things and create space for change.