At Sathguru Soft, we have stumbled upon a fascinating approach to innovation—one that might pique your curiosity and challenge conventional wisdom about fostering creativity in teams. With nine SaaS products under our umbrella, each meticulously crafted by a dedicated team of no more than three people, we have cultivated an environment where creative freedom is not just encouraged; it is silently woven into the very fabric of our teams from the outset. Just three people manage our twenty-six-module retail ERP product Retail ViVA as well.
The Power of Small Teams and Creative Freedom
Why small teams? We have found that keeping teams lean fosters tighter collaboration, quicker decision-making, and a stronger sense of ownership. But the real magic happens when these teams are granted the creative freedom to explore, experiment, and innovate without undue constraints.
From day one, we train our product development teams to embrace this freedom. It is not about grand declarations or rigid processes. Instead, during the very first stage of team formation—the Norming phase—we subtly steer our meetings to create an environment where ideas can flow freely. This silent nurturing ensures that the spark of creativity catches on organically, gripping our teams “like a leech” (in the most positive sense).
Invisible Acceleration: Fast-Tracking Without the Fuss
As managers, our role is akin to gardeners tending to a delicate plant. Once we notice that our teams have “caught the fire,” we begin to fast-track them invisibly. There is no formal announcement, no added pressure—just a quiet removal of obstacles and provision of resources to let their creativity soar.
This invisible acceleration is crucial. It allows teams to innovate without the burden of expectations that often accompanies formal fast-tracking. They remain blissfully unaware of any procedural changes, focusing solely on pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
The Cascade of Innovation
The results? Remarkable. With creative freedom embedded from the start, we have witnessed a substantial boost in our teams’ innovation quotient. Their ideation levels rise dramatically, leading to a steady stream of new, innovative features added in quick succession.
Our teams maintain a clear bucket list of ideas, constantly asking, “What’s next?” This proactive mindset keeps us ahead of the curve, ensuring our products evolve rapidly to meet and exceed market demands.
Why Does This Work? The Silent Success Factor
You might wonder, what is the fundamental key to this success? It is the ability to instil creative freedom silently during the initial group meetings. By integrating this ethos during the Norming phase, it becomes an intrinsic part of the team’s dynamics.
This approach prevents creativity from feeling like an imposed directive. Instead, it becomes a natural element of the team’s culture. Members feel empowered to share ideas without fear of judgment, leading to richer discussions and more innovative solutions.
Curious Thoughts and Open Questions
Our experience raises intriguing questions about team management and innovation:
- Can creativity thrive better when it is subtly encouraged rather than overtly mandated?
- Does invisible support from management lead to more genuine and sustainable innovation?
- How important is the initial team formation phase in setting the tone for creativity and collaboration?
We have found an approach that works for us, but we are curious about your experiences and thoughts.
Join the Conversation
We did not pen this to prescribe a one-size-fits-all solution but to share a strategy that is yielded exceptional results for us. Perhaps it could spark ideas for your own teams or prompt a re-evaluation of traditional methods.
What do you think?
- Have you tried similar approaches in your organization?
- Do you believe that silent cultivation of creative freedom can outperform more structured methods?
- How do you balance the need for guidance with the desire to let teams find their own path?
We invite you to share your insights, experiences, and even critiques. Let us engage in a meaningful discussion about fostering creativity and innovation in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing work environment.
Join us in exploring how subtle shifts in team dynamics can lead to significant leaps in innovation. Your perspective could provide valuable insights for all of us navigating the complexities of team management and creative development.
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