This post originally appeared on theHelp Scout blog.

Most of us would like to believe weve never stifled the creativity of our colleagues.

But its easier to do than you think, and it always starts with the best of intentions.

The formative steps are where teams have the biggest impact on any new idea.

But this nascent stage is also where groups need to be the most cautious.

Here are four mistakes every team should look out for when creating an environment conducive to creative work.

Creating a Culture of Defensiveness

Expecting your first idea to be right places undue stress on the creative process.

Unfortunately, this straightforward reality is made complicated thanks to human nature.

More importantly, the Ideas column is filled with better, well,ideas.

Forcing Synthesis Work to Happen in Groups

Theresearchandwritten sermonsdenouncing group brainstorming are pretty convincing.

Production blocking.When other people are talking, the rest of the group has to wait.

This can cause contributors to lose focus on their ideas or dissuade them from speaking at all.

Theres another hidden danger: compromise.

But meetings and brainstorming clearly have their place.

But feedback, positive and negative, can be influential, even when the speaker thinks little of it.

Instead of giving immediate feedback, ask questions.

Critiques, even in good spirit, are always seen as a challenge to whats there.

The later stages are best for critique, criticism, andinversionas you look for what could go wrong.

Applying the Wrong Amount of Process

A blank canvas imposes the burden of unlimited scope.

When you could do anything, being overwhelmed by choice often makes nothing the most enticing option.

Moreover, its hard to maintain quality when literallyeverythinggoes, because there are too many variables to control for.

Like many tradeoffs, the right balance between order and freedom is key.

When faced with writers block, a common piece of advice is to temporarily lower your standards.

Its based on the idea that the work isnt always whats in the way; sometimes its you.

4 Ways Groups Can Stifle Creativity| Help Scout

Photo byLuis DavilaviaUnsplash.