Set aside a monthly time for a group in your unit to brainstorm around some key issue. Most people claim to understand brainstorming, but few really do it. Encourage risk-taking on the part of subordinates. Discuss the concept of risk- taking with others. When a subordinate or peer takes an honest risk and fails, reward the person for the courage to try.
Celebrations serve a number of important functions.
Be on the lookout for the opportunity to celebrate. Encourage variety in group discussions. Try to get representation from every strategic constituency. Be truly cross-functional, and protect people with differing views so they can express themselves. Generate an exhaustive list of possible solutions to a problem before you move to the evaluation stage.