Constraints are good for Innovation

 

“We did not have enough bandwidth... If only we had more time...If we had more scope...” do you often use these phrases when you face constraints? Well, we all hate constraints. But do you know that constraints are a blessing in disguise? Let me tell you how.

According to few studies, when there are no constraints in the creative process, complacency sets in, and people follow what psychologists call the path-of-least-resistance – they go for the most intuitive idea that comes to mind, rather than investing in the development of better ideas. Constraints, in contrast, provide focus and a creative challenge, that motivates people to search for and connect information from different sources to generate novel ideas for new products, services, or business processes. 

Our brain is constantly in an efficient mode, always looking for ways to use less energy. Most of the time unless forced, our brain doesn’t think much at all. Obstacles and constraints boost brainpower. With constrains, you diligently dedicate your mental energy to figure out new ways to be better. It is only when constraints become high the need for innovation becomes higher.

The world around us is constantly changing so is the working pattern. Things that were just boardroom discussions are now a reality. One of such examples is automation and transformation. Today with digital transformation dominating the entire world we at GeBBS started using Data Analytics, Robotic Process Automation, and AI to better manage operations and make technology a single most important enabler.  My team has also created several automation tools like iCAE suite of AI driven technology, iCW, iCA iCRA, iAR, Rule Engine and BI-DWH which have an overall impact on our businesses.

There are various skills that you need to develop today to survive tomorrow. So, to prepare yourself and your team and become future-ready follow the below steps:

• Develop Analytical Thinking – Your critical thinking skill will help you to come up with innovative solutions and ideas. To develop analytical thinking, you first have to observe, analyse, collect the pros/cons of a situation and be open-minded to the best possible solution.
• Be an Active Learner with a Growth Mindset – Remember that, the future of work, needs active learning and growing. Take up challenges, learn from mistakes and actively seek new knowledge. 
• Improvise Judgmental and Decision-Making Skills – In the coming years, human decision-making will become more complex in the workplace. While machines and data can process information and provide insights that would be impossible for humans to gather, ultimately, a human being is required to make a decision, recognizing the broader implications the decision might have on other areas of business, personnel and the effect on other more human sensibilities such as morale.
• Build your Leadership Skill – Act and work as a leader. Always try to tackle issues and develop solutions. Be the best version of yourself and lead as an example.
• Improve Technological Skills - Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Blockchain, Cloud is the current trend. This means our entire workforce will need a certain level of comfort around technology. You need to understand the potential impact of new technologies on our healthcare industry, our business, and our clients.
• Embrace Change - Due to the speed of change in the future workplace, you will have to be agile and be able to embrace change. You not only will have to be flexible but also you need to be adaptable and adjust to the transformation.

Managers should always create a strong innovative climate – one that is characterized by support for innovation, shared vision and objectives, shared commitment to excel, and a sense of security. Such a climate is not only instrumental for innovation in and of itself, but also for enabling people to navigate creatively under stricter constraints. Employees are more likely to embrace limitations in their creative pursuits in environments with open communication, collaboration, and supportive leadership and supervision. There’s no single, one-size-fits-all formula for any success. Explore and create your roadmap and excel and innovate and be future-ready.