When I read through this post just after finishing it, I thought it might be a bit too silly, or at least too basic and obvious. No academic statistics or processes at all, just common sense. But after giving it a second thought, I actually think I hit the mark, i.e. that most people forget the simple trick of using common sense in the innovation process. So let today…. and the next day, and the next… be ‘encouragement’ days.

There are loads of processes and methodologies for learning how to be more creative and innovative. Some are rather academic and technical, and of course I think it’s very important to learn and understand them. But in this post I will share a tool that is as efficient as it is simple.

In previous posts I have talked about the power of passion in creativity. Behind passion is energy—most often lots of energy. If you feel you are not that kind of creative person, you can still play a very important role in creative people’s lives just by “seeing” them. What it means in reality is to appraise encourage people, to give them positive feedback. What can be better than that?

Some studies suggest that happy people produce more thoughts as their brain is more active when they are happy—and more thoughts mean more ideas.  You can achieve this brain activity boost through the simple trick of making people happy. Stop….please pause for a few seconds to remind yourself when you last got positive feedback (from your partner, friend, colleague or kids). Can you remember the energy and confidence it gave you?

Every now and then I am surprised and actually concerned why more people in a company don’t actively try to encourage people by giving them positive feedback and attention. I am not just talking about the manager – employee relationship. Everyone has the ability to “see” another person, and his or her efforts and challenges.

This is more than just an opportunity. It’s actually everyone’s obligation, and I am sure that this kind of spontaneous feedback is one of the most important ingredients in a successful company’s culture.

So, let’s start this Monday, April 02, 2012 by encouraging one person a day. I’m sure the results will be very positive. Good luck, in case you need it ;-)