Going back to doing something you’ve always done before is not innovative.
If you want innovation and collaboration, you have been given the opportunity right now to be the model for your leaders and your employees. You have been given the opportunity to challenge the idea that innovation happens in the middle of a conference room. You have been given the opportunity to challenge the idea that collaboration occurs at the water cooler. You have been given the opportunity to innovate the work experience.
Many leaders don’t want to admit this and will adamantly deny this, but if you are honest about why it is important for you to see people in the office and at their desks, it has nothing to do with collaboration. If you see them, they must be working. If you see them, you can’t be ignored. If you see them, they must be productive.
Innovation starts in this moment. The moment when you challenge what you always considered a truth. Are you willing to change your beliefs?If the answer is yes and you are willing to change your beliefs and challenge them, now is the time to stand up in front of your employees and be vulnerable. Tell them your current beliefs point blank. Don’t beat around the bush. Say it as it is.