Innovation vs. Creativity: Tips for Developing Innovation and Creativity

• Oct 27, 2022
• |
• BestBizFinder

Why are innovation and creativity important?

Being able to compare innovation and creativity can help you better understand both qualities and implement them in your own business. The difference between these concepts depends largely on context; However, it is possible to understand the ways these terms are often used and how they overlap. Creativity and innovation can make a difference in almost any industry, and they can help your business succeed.

What is innovation?

In most cases, innovation is flexible thinking that produces measurable results. Some organizations are beginning to use a methodology called design thinking to help drive innovation in their teams and help find common vocabulary for the process of developing new ideas and processes. Whatever language your team uses to discuss innovation, being able to apply original or unique problem-solving processes to your challenges can help you succeed.

What is creativity?

Creativity usually refers to the very act of generating new ideas, regardless of whether those ideas lead to measurable results or solutions. Creative thinking can be a very important part of innovation because creative thinking can help you identify new ways of doing things and create tangible products that contribute to innovative, measurable results.

Innovation vs Creativity

Innovation and creativity share the common quality of introducing new ways of thinking about a problem or challenge. But how each one works in this context varies. It is also important to remember that different people and organizations may use these terms differently or even interchangeably. To help you better understand the relationship between innovation and creativity, here are some common characteristics of each:

Innovation Characteristics

Innovation typically includes these qualities: 

1. ·       measurable or measurable
2. ·       external
3. ·       Action oriented to
4. ·       Introduces new ideas and concepts
5. ·       Financing is often used
6. ·       can involve risks
7. ·       Results in product or delivery
8. ·       Characteristics of creativity

Creativity usually includes these qualities: 

1. ·       The untouched
2. ·       internal
3. ·       Personal
4. ·       New ideas and concepts
5. ·       Often no financing is used
6. ·       Often has less risk
7. ·       Results in concept

Tips for developing innovation and creativity

Here are some tips that may help you develop innovation and creativity:

Ask questions

 An inquisitive mind can be the first step towards developing creative thought processes, and often creative thinking leads to measurable innovation. Try asking open-ended questions when facing a new challenge. For example, instead of asking if the challenge has a solution, ask yourself how you could handle that challenge or change the situation. Asking lots of questions about situations and other people's questions can also help you grow as a professional and develop new skills, contributing to the value of your creative and innovative outcomes.

Use a growth mindset

A growth mindset refers to the belief that any skill can be learned with enough opportunity and effort. Practicing a growth mindset in the workplace can increase creativity and innovation by helping you persevere in the face of adversity or challenges. When you encounter obstacles, try to think of ways you can continue working toward your goals in creative ways.

Change your environment

Sometimes, the different environment can help foster creativity and innovation for individuals and teams. If you work independently, try walking or working in a different place to spark new ideas that may then become actionable innovations. To inspire a team, try changing office features or getting everyone out of the office for a job in the workplace. Diversity can inspire new concepts and ideas.

Cooperate

 Teamwork often results in new ideas, and when teams work together to turn those ideas into real results, you get innovation. As an individual, try to practice collaborating with colleagues to solve problems and generate new ideas. If you are able to do this, create spaces and frameworks to allow your teams to also work together to increase collective creativity and innovation.

Stay positive

A positive outlook can help you develop creativity and the innovation by opening your mind to new possibilities. Try to approach new solutions using a variety of "maybes," and try to note the positive or beneficial features of solutions that you might not choose to use as a whole. Staying positive as an individual can also help motivate your team to stay open to new ideas and concepts, which are a key factor in innovation.

Set meaningful goals

Setting meaningful goals can help you structure your creative process and turn concepts into actionable innovations. Try using the SMART Goal Setting Framework. This means setting goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and the time-based. Applying this process to your creative work may support a higher level of productivity and change.

Keep learning

 Creative thinking often means continuing to learn new skills and ideas, and with care, your new skills and ideas can turn into measurable innovation. Try to seek professional development opportunities independently and through your organization. Consider searching online for an internship, or pursue in-person courses such as classes offered at a local college or university. Read a lot, and try to discuss what you've learned with colleagues or industry partners.

Implementation of solutions

Turning your ideas into actionable solutions can help you practice bridging the relationship between the creativity and innovation. If possible, take action on your creative ideas in the workplace every day. If some of your ideas require collaboration or approval, identify the processes you need to make your ideas a reality. Develop a final plan for action and innovation.