Think, Dream, Invent And Stand Out From The Crowd

     Organizations that openly encourage all employees to think, dream and invent, create the possibility of standing out. And standing out is the only way to compete in this information blurred and "over-commoditized" economy.

     Service that stands out encourages customer loyalty. Workplaces that stand out encourage employee loyalty. At a time where there seems to be so little loyalty by either party, a bold commitment to being remembered is a critical advantage.

Standing out is about creating something original, exciting and dynamic.

     This week, Promotional Consultant Today is focusing on helping you get back in touch with your ability to distinguish yourself and stand out from the crowd. Tuesday we looked at the Stand Out factor. Yesterday we examined connecting with your creative side. Today we'll review an open and accepting environment.

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TOP SHELF TIP NO. 118

"In a busy marketplace, not standing out is the same as being invisible."

Tom Peters, business author and speaker

Building A Creative Culture

     Stand Out thinking starts with the permission to let yourself invent. This happens in an open and accepting environment. It happens when your workplace is diverse in both background and experience and when all employees are required to openly invent, think and participate in decision-making, and say what is on their minds. This is way to invite the new, the different and the great.

Build a culture of creative thinkers in your organization by the following:

·         Allow employees to invent and take calculated risks. Reward excellent failures. Encourage greater thinking. If you are not failing every now and then, chances are you are not doing anything innovative. Visibly applaud creative efforts that focus on value, profits and customer service. Applaud employee reach and innovation.

·         Invent a Creativity Zone -- an area of the workplace that is committed to extraordinary thinking.

·         Invent the "Creativiteam" -- a team assembled to generate ideas to solve an issue, invent something new, create an event, etc.

·         Create an idea journal and add to it each day.

     Think unique, valuable, exceptional and exclusive. Think success by focusing on what makes you different and distinct. Then help your employees show up to get it done, step up to do it right and Stand Out to be remembered.

     Source: Jay Forte is a performance speaker, consultant and founder of Humanetrics, LLC. He applies years of research, along with his training as a CPA, to help organizations maximize performance and profits through improved employee productivity, creative thinking and customer service. He is the author of Own It! Getting Your Employees to Think Like Owners.