Hire only the best people
Many managers are afraid to hire too competent people in their team, because these individuals might "outgrow" them and eventually take over their position. But if you want your team to be innovative and keep its competitiveness, you must hire the best possible workers and give them the room to show what they have in them.
Practise transparent leadership
This philosophy revolves around the idea that in a healthy and prosperous team which wants to be innovative, no one should be afraid to speak out. Even an ordinary team member should be able simply to go to the manager and voice their opinion. This is a logical approach, as the best ideas for innovation come not from management but rather from the foot soldiers; in other words, people on the front line who know how things really work.
Define both short- and long-term goals
According to the Harvard Business Review, every team and its members need to have clearly defined short- and long-term goals. These must be measurable and continuous analysis is required to see whether or not they are being achieved. Without such a system, innovation is pure chance and team development resembles more groping in the dark.
Replace micro-management with inspiration
Your goal should not be to tell employees exactly what to do, but rather to train them and provide them with a philosophy that will enable them to work independently while keeping the priorities of the company and your team in mind. Focus on people's mindset rather than their specific abilities and hard skills. Only this way will you achieve the independence and efficiency of your regular employees.
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