Enterprising workplaces inspire and energise a workforce. Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) can provide a motivating and challenging environment for you to use your enterprising skills. Or why not introduce new ideas for a department within a large company. Make your organisation stand out as an enterprise and innovation leader.
- Last year Brett Clarke was awarded the Enterprising Young Brits joint-winner for ’Innovation at Work‘, whilst working for Metronet Rail. He spotted a potential safety concern for employees moving heavy equipment. Brett devised a scissor lift trolley system, removing the need for manual labour. In use for two months at the Ruislip depot, Brett’s idea is now being put forward for use across the business.
Start brainstorming to see if you can come up with ideas that will help a business grow and succeed. Make your ideas happen, introduce new improvements, implement new systems, improve communications, solve problems - whether in R&D, sales and marketing, logistics and distribution, production, customer service, finance, HR, design – all are central to the success of the company.
- If you’re not confident about developing ideas yourself, workplace networks encourage creative thinking and innovation. Set up meetings with colleagues and exchange ideas. Or alternatively take a look at your competitors for inspiration and ideas, by putting yourself forward to attend external networking events.
- www.makeyourmarkconnect.org is a great place to start connecting; it will give you useful links to inspiring business people with exciting aspirations.
- http://www.makeyourmark.org.uk/campaigns/students/orange_graduate_panel The Orange Make Your Mark Graduate Panel is a team of undergraduates, graduates and postgraduates who want to have a voice in the debate about what businesses must do to understand and inspire young people in the workplace. Become a member to discuss relevant and tangible issues, and share opinions with businesses.
Think about the reality of putting your idea into practice. Check if your idea can be implemented and will be financially beneficial to the company.
- Research your competitors to see if they implement something similar.
- Test your idea with your colleagues for their views and opinions. You may even pool your ideas together.
- For a really honest opinion, try asking friends or family.
Commit your idea to paper. This way you can identify any gaps or barriers you may have previously overlooked.
- How you present your idea is crucial to determine how well it is received. Remember to have confidence in your idea, as this will shine through when you discuss it with your manager.
Good Luck! Remember no matter what your job role is, or what level you are at, you have the skills to inspire your workplace to make a difference.