The Value of Encouraging Employees to Try Something New

In today’s fast-paced business world, adaptability and innovation are critical for success. One powerful way to foster both is by encouraging employees to try something new—whether it’s learning a new skill, taking on a different project, or approaching a familiar task from a fresh perspective. Encouraging employees to step out of their comfort zones not only benefits them personally, but it also drives organizational growth and success.

A Confession . . .

I’m self-employed, so I guess the employee I encourage to try something new is . . . ME!  First I’ll provide a few examples of how I’ve tried something new (personally and organizationally), and then we’ll explore how trying something new can positively impact both an individual employee and their company.

Some of my personal “something new” first time adventures include:

• leaving family, friends and clients behind in Ontario to move out to Vancouver for a new life;
• buying a house;
• helping to launch the Swedish Noseflute Orchestra in Stockholm, Sweden;
• attempting to learn to play (as distinct from actually learning to play) the ukulele, harmonica, ocarina and euphonium);
• getting married at the tender age of 46 and starting a family at 49;
• growing a beard (more traumatic than expected);
• picking up kayaking (years ago) and pickleball (more recently) as a new sport.

And on the business front (all of which led to new growth):

• shifting from a stable, enjoyable and well-paid job at Apple Canada to start my own consulting firm, The Consulting Edge;
• transitioning from a comfortable, predictable training practice to a more challenging and less stable facilitation practice;
• becoming an MC/meeting host;
• taking a leadership role in the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS);
• serving on several diverse not-for-profit Boards;
• acquiring the skills and tools required to develop an online facilitation practice during COVI-19;
• launching a podcast (Discover Fresh Perspectives) without having a clue how to do it and with no intentional plan!

I thrive on and seek out newness.  All well and good, but why do I recommend encouraging employees to try something new when they work in actual organizations?

Benefits to the Individual

1. Personal Growth and Confidence Building When organizations encourage employees to try something new, they provide opportunities for personal growth. Tackling unfamiliar tasks stretches an individual’s capabilities, leading to the discovery of new strengths. This process of learning and achievement builds confidence, making employees more willing to take on future challenges. Over time, the habit of stepping outside of their routine creates a growth mindset, empowering employees to continually seek out ways to improve.
2. Expanded Skill Set Every time an employee engages in a new experience, their skill set expands. Whether they’re learning a new tool, mastering a fresh approach, or collaborating with a different team, trying something new enhances their versatility. These new skills—whether technical or interpersonal—make employees more valuable to the company, positioning them to contribute in broader and more impactful ways.
3. Increased Engagement and Job Satisfaction Routine can quickly lead to stagnation, but when businesses encourage employees to try something new, it injects energy and excitement into the work environment. Employees who are given the chance to experiment with different tasks or responsibilities are more likely to remain engaged and satisfied in their roles. As a result, organizations benefit from higher employee morale, reduced turnover, and improved performance.

Benefits to the Organization

1. Innovation and Fresh Ideas When employees are encouraged to step into new experiences, they bring fresh perspectives that can lead to innovation. By trying something new, they challenge existing norms and processes, often finding more efficient or creative solutions to problems. A culture that supports experimentation ensures a constant flow of new ideas, which is essential for businesses looking to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
2. Agility and Adaptability In today’s unpredictable world, organizations need to be agile to survive. Encouraging employees to try new things fosters adaptability, making individuals and teams more capable of handling change. When employees are used to stepping into the unknown, they become better equipped to pivot when business needs shift. This agility strengthens the organization’s ability to navigate disruptions and stay ahead of the competition.
3. Cross-functional Collaboration As employees try something new and take on tasks outside their usual roles, they gain a broader understanding of how different parts of the organization work together. This increased awareness fosters cross-functional collaboration, breaking down silos and encouraging teamwork. Employees who have had experiences in different departments can communicate more effectively and understand how their work fits into the larger organizational goals.

Creating a Culture of Learning

For organizations to fully benefit from encouraging employees to try new things, it’s important to create a supportive environment. Leaders need to provide opportunities for experimentation and offer guidance while emphasizing that failure is part of the learning process. Offering professional development resources, mentorship, and time for exploration can further motivate employees to try something new without fear of failure.

In Conclusion: Why Encouraging Employees to “Try Something New” Matters

Encouraging employees to try something new benefits both individuals and organizations. It leads to personal growth, higher job satisfaction, and increased adaptability. At the same time, it fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, which drives long-term organizational success. By supporting employees to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new experiences, businesses can build a more engaged, agile, and forward-thinking workforce.

So . . . when are YOU going to try something new, and what’s it going to be?  Please let me know!