How do you like to encourage ideas in others?

"Although I have been Research Director at my organization for the last ten years, I highly value original ideas and encourage my team members to come to me with fresh thoughts that can improve the data we gather and how we use that data to make decisions that will positively affect our community. I strongly believe that we can never commit to one way of doing things or else we will never grow as an organization. Showing my team that their thoughts are not only welcomed but sought-after and respected is critical in fostering a dedicated and forward-thinking research team. I try to implement as many of their ideas as possible and when not possible, I make an effort to provide my team member with positive, constructive feedback."

"I frequently communicate with other members on my team and get to know them as individuals. When I understand what motivates them and excites them in the workplace, I can see ways to encourage them to think more creatively. For example, when my team was recently developing a new concert series meant to raise funds for our program addressing childhood heart disease, one of my teammates seemed displeased with our communication plan for procuring musicians for the show. Since I knew this co-worker was interested in music and was also gifted with verbal communication, I asked if he would develop a new communications plan to present at the next meeting. He was pleased with the opportunity to take ownership of this task, and his plan was accepted by the rest of the team."

This one can be tricky. Avoid talking about ideas that came from you initially. Instead, focus on the specific ways you help others access ideas for themselves, make them confident in pursuing those ideas, and contribute to a comfortable team environment for them to share those ideas.