As managers, I know it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations of your organisation. We’re constantly focused on meeting deadlines, hitting targets, and solving immediate problems. But in the midst of all this, we often overlook one of the greatest sources of inspiration for innovation: our children (or grandchildren).

Think about it…

Children approach the world with boundless curiosity, unbridled creativity, and fearless experimentation. They’re not afraid to ask “why” or to try new things simply because they’ve never been done before. As managers, there’s a lot we can learn from our kids when it comes to fostering a culture of innovation in our organisations.

So, here are 10 lessons in creativity and innovation that your children can teach you:

1. Embrace Curiosity: Children are naturally curious beings. They ask endless questions and are always eager to learn new things. As managers, we should encourage this same curiosity among our teams. Encourage them to ask questions, explore new ideas, and never settle for the status quo.

2. Encourage Playfulness: Children approach play with a sense of joy and abandon. They’re not afraid to make mistakes or look silly in the pursuit of fun. As managers, we should create a playful ‘psychological safe’ environment where employees feel free to experiment, take risks, and think outside the box.

3. Foster Imagination: Children have vivid imaginations that allow them to see possibilities where others see limitations. As managers, we should encourage our teams to dream big and think creatively. Create space for brainstorming sessions, idea incubators, and creative workshops where imagination can flourish.

4. Embrace Failure: Children aren’t afraid to fail because they see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. As managers, we should embrace failure as a natural part of the innovation process. Encourage experimentation, celebrate risk-taking, and create a safe space for employees to fail fast and fail forward.

5. Promote Collaboration: Children thrive in collaborative environments where they can bounce ideas off of each other and co-create new worlds. As managers, we should promote a culture of collaboration where teams work together across departments, disciplines, and hierarchies to solve complex problems and drive innovation.

6. Nurture Empathy: Children have an innate sense of empathy that allows them to see the world from others’ perspectives. As managers, we should nurture empathy among our teams by encouraging them to listen deeply, seek feedback, and truly understand the needs and desires of our customers and stakeholders.

7. Embrace Diversity: Children are naturally drawn to people who are different from themselves because they see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. As managers, we should embrace diversity in all its forms – gender, race, ethnicity, age, background, and thought – because diverse teams are more innovative and better equipped to solve complex problems.

8. Celebrate Curiosity: Children love to celebrate their accomplishments, no matter how small. As managers, we should celebrate curiosity and innovation in our organizations by recognizing and rewarding employees who go above and beyond to think creatively, challenge the status quo, and drive meaningful change.

9. Lead by Example: Children learn by watching and imitating the adults in their lives. As managers, we should lead by example by demonstrating our own curiosity, creativity, and willingness to take risks. Be open to new ideas, embrace change, and show your team that innovation starts at the top.

10. Never Stop Learning: Finally, children are lifelong learners who approach each day with a sense of wonder and possibility. As managers, we should never stop learning and growing ourselves. Invest in ongoing training and development opportunities for your team, encourage a culture of continuous improvement, and stay curious about the world around you.

By embracing these 10 lessons from your children, you can unlock a world of innovation in your organization. So, the next time you’re feeling stuck, take a cue from your kids and approach the problem with fresh eyes, boundless curiosity, and a sense of playful experimentation. Who knows what new ideas you might uncover and what great heights your organization might reach as a result?

By Gijs van Wulfen

Keywords: Creativity, Innovation, Open Innovation