Successful teams thrive on continuous innovation, always seeking new and better ideas. Here are five methods to spark creative thinking and generate impactful solutions.

• Embrace small adjustments. Incremental changes can lead to significant improvements over time. Focus on making minor enhancements daily.
• Engage with customers. Whether they are students, parents, alumni, donors, or staff, never assume you know their needs. Engage in conversations, conduct focus groups, and monitor reviews, surveys, and social media to uncover valuable insights and address any issues.
• Develop a customer journey map. Envision the entire experience of your customers as they interact with your institution. For example, map out a high school student’s journey through the admissions process. Identify and address any pain points to enhance their experience.
• Keep an eye on competitors via social media. This allows you to stay informed about their activities and current trends, helping you stay competitive.
• Involve your team. Dedicate time weekly or monthly to brainstorm new ideas. Encourage team members to share suggestions and acknowledge those whose ideas lead to positive changes.

For more advice, read “How to Encourage Innovation in the Workplace.”