Let’s consider how to challenge the status quo, create a culture of creativity and develop a workplace that’s nimble and adaptable to change. To create a culture of innovation... MODEL IT. “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower,” Steve Jobs said. He’s right. Leaders must act on opportunities quickly and decisively. Their decisions must reflect where their businesses are going, not where they are today. If you want to see creativity in your team, you need to demonstrate a forward- thinking mindset. ENCOURAGE POSITIVE FAILURE. Failure is a critical part of success. My best ideas are rarely my new ones, and my first attempts at any- thing important are usually miserable. But that doesn’t stop me from trying. My success has been the result of many spoiled attempts that eventually resulted in triumph. Praise creative problem-solving even when the end result isn’t quite what you’d hoped. EMBRACE OPTION-THINKING. Creative people are comfortable with change and risk. Great ideas are born from uncertainty. Innovators look for options, no matter how off-the-wall. Those are the people I want on my team.INSIST ON SOLUTION-THINKING. Almost nothing bothers me more than a person who complains without thinking up a solution. I trained my people long ago to bring three solutions for every problem they identify. This not only minimized the issues that came across my desk, but it also gave my HARNESS THE POWER OF FRESH PERSPECTIVES. One of the best ways to remain innovative and flexible is to make the most of new team members’ perspectives. Keep fresh eyes around you and listen closely to their observations. You may be surprised by how much they bring to the table. CELEBRATE GOOD IDEAS. I often say that a great idea is simply the combination of many good ideas. That takes the burden off any individual to have the “perfect” proposal. Celebrate good ideas, acknowledge the people who bring them forward, and you’ll find yourself with a never-ending supply of leading-edge suggestions. “Capital isn’t so important in business,” American industrialist Harvey Firestone said. “Experience isn’t so important…. What is important is ideas. If you have ideas, you have the main asset you need, and there isn’t any limit to what you can do with your business and your life.” If you don’t have a “thinking team” in your organization, now might be the time to consider recruiting one. If this hasn’t been an area of focus for you, I have good news: Innovative thinking is a skill that can be learned and developed. I am confident that when you invest in great people and great ideas, these light bulb moments will become a regular and profitable part of your business! John C. Maxwell is a number one New York Times bestselling author, coach, and speaker who has sold more than 25 million books in 50 languages. In 2014, he was identified as the #1 leader in business by the American Management Association® and the world’s most influential leadership expert by Business Insider and Inc. magazine. For six years, Maxwell has been voted the top leadership professional on LeadershipGurus.net. He will be speaking in Toronto on July 7th 2016. Email info@thechangeleadership.com for more information on event and how to attend.