In the modern workplace, where rapid progress can often meet roadblocks, creativity is the lifeblood of innovation. But breaking down the barriers that stifle creative thinking requires more than high-tech tools or structured brainstorming. Instead, the true magic of innovation lies in the simple power of human connection—direct, non-judgmental listening. For companies such as Dabur and Centum Electronics, fostering genuine, thoughtful interactions is proving transformative, inspiring fresh ideas in both group and one-on-one settings.
At Dabur India, the potential of group dynamics is fully embraced. Satyajit Mohanty, VP-HR, Dabur, sees collaboration as essential for sparking creativity. “Look at the world’s most innovative companies such as Apple or Amazon. Their collective brainstorming processes fuel new ideas,” he observes. By bringing people together, Dabur encourages team members to build on each other’s thoughts, creating a powerful ripple effect of innovation.
However, the risk of groupthink—where louder voices dominate and quieter ones fade—can be a challenge. To combat this, Dabur employs a method called ‘brain writing’, where employees jot down ideas before group discussions begin, ensuring everyone’s insights have a place at the table.
“A supportive atmosphere, where even the roughest ideas are valued, can transform the way we approach creativity.”
Anil Gaur, senior HR leader
In contrast, Centum Electronics takes a more individualised approach. Manish Majumdar, Centum’s HR head, believes that personalised one-on-one interactions often hold the key to unlocking creativity. “Some employees are naturally reserved in group settings but shine when given a chance to speak privately,” he shares. These intimate dialogues provide a judgment-free zone where employees feel safe to share their ideas, however unpolished. “When a manager genuinely listens, it encourages employees to open up,” Majumdar adds. In these spaces, trust takes root, and ideas flow freely, unburdened by the pressure of performing before an audience.
“Look at the world’s most innovative companies such as Apple or Amazon. Their collective brainstorming processes fuel new ideas.”
Satyajit Mohanty, VP-HR, Dabur
Anil Gaur, a senior HR leader, further underscores the importance of creating an environment that nurtures creativity. For Gaur, innovation often starts as a rough, unpolished concept. “The idea for multiplex cinemas in India? It was first sketched on a napkin at an informal gathering,” he recalls, illustrating how relaxed, open settings can give rise to groundbreaking concepts. “A supportive atmosphere, where even the roughest ideas are valued, can transform the way we approach creativity,” Gaur says. At its core, creativity thrives in environments where all ideas, no matter how unrefined, are met with curiosity, not judgment.
Beyond these organic spaces, Dabur bolsters its creative culture through structured frameworks like design thinking. According to Mohanty, design thinking workshops challenge employees to view problems from unconventional angles. Teams are even encouraged to look at industries outside their own—such as aerospace or technology—to inspire new solutions. “This approach pushes people beyond their routines,” he explains, “and it’s often in these cross-industry reflections that the most innovative ideas emerge.” This blend of structured freedom lets employees break out of their usual patterns, seeing challenges through fresh eyes.
Leadership, too, plays a vital role in shaping a culture where creativity can flourish. Leaders such as Satya Nadella of Microsoft and Steve Jobs of Apple understood the power of withholding judgment in brainstorming sessions, giving their teams the freedom to ideate without inhibition. “Effective leaders know when to facilitate group brainstorming and when to engage employees individually,” Mohanty notes. By alternating between collaborative and individual approaches, managers provide space for both group synergy and individual introspection. “But it’s not just about asking for ideas,” he cautions. “The real art lies in probing deeply, in listening beyond the words, to uncover meaningful insights.”
“Some employees are naturally reserved in group settings but shine when given a chance to speak privately.”
Manish Majumdar, HR head, Centum Electronics
Ultimately, the art of sparking creativity lies not in technique alone but in the sincerity of each interaction. For organisations, the message is clear: by investing in open, direct engagement with employees—both in groups and individually—they’re not only breaking down creative blocks but nurturing a workforce ready to think adaptively and innovate boldly.
