New ideas equal…Caring and then…

New ideas equal…new approaches

Practicing real creativity can be daunting to most folks. That probably explains why most of us tend to believe we’re more doers than creators of out-of-the-box ideas. And as long as we believe that false idea that notion will always be true. But the fact is creativity is a process that’s absolutely within our capabilities.

It begins by setting aside what we already know. That’s because real creativity requires that we look at the world in new ways – not just the way we now see things. Take selling as an example.

Forever the process has been a cold call followed by some sort of survey or fact finding effort designed to unearth those unmet needs. It’s then followed by the presentation of a solution to them and then a close.

Of course there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that time tested process. But perhaps there’s a way to streamline some of those steps. Take step one. What if we could find an entirely different way to approach new prospects? Maybe it’s a virtual cold call or some sort or digital tool that might allow us to make dozens of initial contacts in a week.

No matter the area, whether its’s sales, managing, servicing or even training, we can look for new ways and methods that might just let us develop a breakthrough – one that might make our lives more productive or perhaps just easier.

Caring and then …There’s really caring

Having an effective management style is critical to directing a team. But unless we’re prepared to show concern for those folks, chances are better than good that our directions will fall on deaf ears.

There’s a great saying that we should keep in mind. It’s simply this: Until they know that you care, then they won’t care want you know”.

Think back to the best boss you ever had. He or she may have been demanding and maybe harsh at times. But under all that you knew that they had your back and you felt that deep down they cared about you as an individual.

Contrast that with your least favorite supervisor. Chances even if they were even keeled, calm and kind, if they clearly had no interest in your success or happiness, you probably tuned them out.

The last thing we want to happen with our associates is for them to figuratively put their fingers in their ears. Especially when we’re asking them to carry out an important direction.

That can happen if they feel that we don’t care about anything beyond what we want done. Or it might be that we forgot to explain how it might make their lives better or easier. Either one is sure to undermine your success as a leader.

Next up: Measure twice, cut once.