Your team is divided on the project's direction. How will you navigate conflicting views to drive innovation?

Overcoming division within a team starts with valuing the different perspectives each member brings. It's vital to understand that disagreements can be opportunities to explore alternative approaches to problems. Promoting an environment where everyone feels heard and respected fosters a more enriching exchange of ideas.

Quer ver um time criativo acabar antes mesmo de começar? Monte esse time com pessoas que frequentam os mesmos lugares, comem as mesmas comidas, ouvem as mesmas músicas, estudaram na mesma universidade, viajam para os mesmos pontos turísticos, lêem os mesmos autores e só sabem falar sobre os mesmos assuntos. A diversidade de referências, influencias, culturas e conheicmento é a base celular da Inovação. Combine os diferentes e você pode ser surpreendido com que irá nascer. Combine os parecidos e você terá um clichê de "sessão da tarde".

Defining objects is essential. For example, you and your team are building a new mobile app. First, Identify common goals like creating a seamless user experience. Afterwards use the SMART objectives method: build an intuitive user interface and reliable backend functionality, measured by user satisfaction and app performance. Ensure goals are achievable and do keep track of the results, testing, performance and feedback.

Ensuring that your team is aligned begins with clear communication of the project's goals. When everyone comprehends the end targets, it becomes easier to discern which ideas best contribute to those goals.

Go back to the start and redefine the objective. When you've worked on a long project for a while, it's easy to lost sight of the bigger picture or perhaps so much has happened along the way that you need to revisit why you started in the first place. Once you re-establish the goal, it's easier to walk backwards and find alignment on the best direction forward.

Matching individuals with contrasting perspectives can result in a productive synergy, leading to outcomes that surpass what they could achieve alone. Such partnerships often drive innovation, as they push each other beyond familiar territory and into creative problem-solving.

O trabalho colaborativo e insterdisciplinar continua sendo o triunfo das equipes criativas das maiores empresas da FORBES 500. Por mais que a história empreendedoras nomeiem Steve Jobs, Thomas Edison ou Bill Gates como gênios solitários, que tiveram ideias e as desenvolveram no fundo de suas garagens. Isso não é bem a verdade. Por detrás de suas ideias e no processo de refiná-las, muitas pessoas, colegas, amigos e profissionais investiram seus conhecimentos, tempo e expertise. A inovação dificilmente nasce da mente de uma única pessoa. Com você não será diferente. Seja colaborativo com seus colegas, aprenda a fornecer e receber sugestões e críticas, promova o compartilhamento ideias e verá que existe solução criativa pra tudo!

Primeiro é fundamental criar um ambiente que favoreça a comunicação aberta e a confiança, justamente para que os membros da equipe sintam-se seguros para expressar suas opiniões e ideias sem medo de julgamento ou retaliação. O segundo é a definição clara de responsabilidades e objetivos, o que ajudará a alinhar os esforços individuais para voltar a fortalecer o coletivo. E por fim a celebração e o reconhecimento dos esforços coletivos e a conquista dos resultados alcançados pelo grupo.

For example, consider how Airbnb tested various features like instant booking and user reviews through prototypes before launching them widely. Measure success by tracking user engagement and satisfaction. Ensure the goals are achievable within the project timeline, making necessary adjustments based on prototype outcomes.

By encouraging rapid and low-fidelity prototypes, you create an environment where experimentation and failure are part of the learning process. This iterative approach not only makes the development process more dynamic but also facilitates the discovery of creative solutions that might be missed in purely theoretical discussions.

When people feel personally invested in a project, they tend to go the extra mile and bring their best ideas to the table. Clearly defining roles and aligning them with each person’s skills and interests not only enhances motivation but also ensures a greater sense of responsibility. This dynamic encourages a more collaborative atmosphere where differences are worked through constructively, as everyone is more committed to achieving the shared objectives.

Start by communicating transparently with your team and keep them informed about the reasons for the change, its benefits, and its potential impact. When Netflix shifted from DVD rentals to streaming, they invested in training and upskilling their workforce to handle new technologies and business models, ensuring a smooth transition. Change is part of the game, it is essential and it can lead to growth and success.

Handling change effectively is crucial for fostering innovation. Embracing new approaches often means stepping out of comfort zones and adjusting strategies. It’s important to lead your team through these transitions with clear communication and consistent support. Acknowledge and celebrate incremental successes to build momentum and keep spirits high.