Everyone Can Be Chief Creative Officer

Involving everyone in generating innovative ideas.

In addition to my known focus on sustainability and management education, I also study the sustainability practices of chocolate makers globally. One of my favourites is Omnom, a bean to bar chocolate company in Iceland. In addition to some impressive sustainability credentials, they are also known for their range of bars made with very creative flavours (e.g., their Superchocoberrybarleynibblynuttylicious bar). Every new employee is asked to come up with, and test out, an idea for a new flavour and encouraged to go with whatever crazy idea goes through their head (yes, even adding soy sauce). While not all of them make it onto the shelves, the exercise has numerous benefits both for staff engagement and the bottom line.

+How can you give everyone the opportunities to present and explore new ideas