The Changing Workplace Environment

Section 1

Vocational Education and TrainingTraining Toolbox Series

Work StudiesNSW Work Studies Course

Improving Work Practices through a

Creative Environment

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The Changing Workplace Environment

Table of Contents

Section 1 – Improving Work Practices through a Creative Environment  The Enterprising Person Slide - 04Creativity vs. Innovation Slide - 05Inspiring Creativity Slide - 06Individual Creativity Slide - 07Personal Creative Thinking Methods Slide - 08Looking for Ideas Slide - 09Presenting Ideas to Management Slide - 10Idea Evaluation Steps Slide - 11Evaluating Ideas Slide - 12

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The Changing Workplace Environment

The Enterprising Person

4

An enterprising person has the following characteristics:

They keep their eyes open and mind active They seize opportunities as they arise They see the future in the present They actively work toward their goals They always find a way to take advantage of a

situation

The Changing Workplace Environment

Creativity vs. Innovation

5

Creativity is generating new ideas

Innovation is when creative new ideas are implemented

The Changing Workplace Environment

Inspiring Creativity

6

An off-the-wall idea, given the proper attention, may just become:

A solution to a problem The next great marketing campaign The beginnings of the next innovative product or

service

The Changing Workplace Environment

Individual Creativity

7

The main blocks to our creative potential are the three following limiting beliefs:  

I am not creative I don’t know how to be creative It’s not ok to be creative around here

The Changing Workplace Environment

Personal Creative Thinking Methods

8

There are two creative thinking methods – Creative and Analytical

ANALYTICAL THINKING 

Searches for consequence Evaluating Works in one direction Non experimental Serious Systematic Utilises logic, sense and rational Follows sense and logic

CREATIVE THINKING 

Searching for all possibilities Experimenting Works in many directions Entertaining Playful Incoherent and random Utilises fantasy, wishes and intuition Follows impulses and feelings

The Changing Workplace Environment

Looking for Ideas

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If you do not want to settle for just ‘good enough’ in your job or project, consider these strategies:  

Look for ways to make improvements Focus suggestions on areas that have the greatest

impact Follow up your suggestions with action Step outside of your box Don't make frivolous suggestions

The Changing Workplace Environment

Presenting Ideas to Management

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Here are some basic steps for those that want to make a suggestion to the management:  

Make the suggestion Give the reason why you are making the suggestion Explain what will be gained and what will be lost Be prepared to answer questions

AND MAKE IT

The Changing Workplace Environment

Idea Evaluation Steps

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Many organisations assign senior managers as screeners for new ideas.

The common steps they usually follow include:  

The idea presentation Screening Evaluation Approval

The Changing Workplace Environment

Brainstorming

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Brainstorming is an idea evaluation technique.

Brainstorming is used not only evaluate but also further develop ideas.

Brainstorming is generally done with a group of people.

The Changing Workplace Environment

End of Section 1

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The Changing Workplace Environment