Ethics and Professional Skills Module

Unit 6 - Innovation and Scepticism

Promoting creativity in the workplace activity

How prepared are you to think creatively and innovatively?

Complete the following questions, scoring each on a scale of 1 (low) to 5 (high).
Response Agree Strongly
agree
Rank 1 2 3 4 5

Instructions: Rank the following from 1-5 according to preference (1 being a situation where
you agree and 5 being strongly agree).

1. As a manager, I actively encourage small groups to interact creatively.

1 2 3 4 5

2. Team members who challenge the norms should be encouraged.

1 2 3 4 5

3. Team leaders should appoint a meeting facilitator and rotate this role.
1 2 3 4 5

4. Individuals should be prepared to disrupt and suggest new methods.

1 2 3 4 5

5. Questions and constructive criticism should be encouraged.

1 2 3 4 5

6. Integrity and loyalty to the profession are more important than the team.
1 2 3 4 5

7. Champion what you believe then the team knows you will take a position.
1 2 3 4 5

8. Objectivity must be maintained, even if external support is necessary.

1 2 3 4 5

9. It is worthwhile to challenge ideas, as it encourages wider thought.

1 2 3 4 5

10. Creativity should be openly rewarded to demonstrate commitment to original thinking

1 2 3 4 5

Feedback
High scores (average 4 or 5) suggest a natural desire to challenge
others constructively and for constructive debate, while low scores suggest an acceptance of
groupthink and preference for not ‘rocking the boat’.

It is important to encourage team members to understand that their input is valued and they
should feel free to contribute without fear or negative consequences.

Every team member should have the opportunity to be recognised and success is not defined
purely by the norms, values, beliefs and opinions of one person.

People are inclined to be attracted to rewards and deterred by punishment, and both can be
psychological. Creative ideas should be welcomed even if outlandish, and if recognised this
can be a form of reward. By ‘putting people down’ or refusing to acknowledge their
alternative view, this may be perceived as punishment.

If differences of opinion are embraced and critical thinking encouraged, this can result in
value added business solutions, using all human resources in the team to the full.