Creativity is often seen as a mysterious talent that some people have while others don't.
But the truth is everyone is creative. It is a skill that can be cultivated and accessed by all. At work, creativity is invaluable.
It drives innovation, solves problems, and opens up new opportunities. It enables you to stand out from the crowd and shine.
As this is Creativity Newsletter 101, let’s get back to basics.
Creativity is the ability to generate new and original ideas. It involves looking at problems or situations from a fresh perspective. Creativity isn’t only about artistic endeavours; it’s about finding new solutions to everyday challenges. I define creativity as something that makes you go WOW.
Why is Creativity Important at Work?
- Problem-Solving: Creative thinking helps in finding innovative solutions to problems. Solve problems forever and better.
- Innovation: It drives the development of new products, services, and processes.
- Adaptability: Creative employees are better at adapting to changes and overcoming obstacles. You can join the dots together so creating new value.
- Engagement: Creativity boosts employee engagement and satisfaction. It’s fun, it’s enthusing and it’s energising.
- Promotion: Creativity will enable you to come up with better solutions than others, this will help get you that next promotion.
How to Be Creative at Work
- Change Your Perspective: Look at problems from different angles. Ask yourself, “What if we tried this a different way?” Think of WOW outcomes and then how they could be achieved.
- Embrace Curiosity: Always be curious. Ask questions and seek out new information. Expand your knowledge base – most problems or similar ones have already been solved in other sectors or situations. Think outside your field of vision.
- Take Risks: Don’t be afraid to propose bold ideas. Even if they fail, they can lead to other successful innovations. Often the 2nd or 3rd idea is the best.
- Collaborate: Work with diverse teams. Different viewpoints or skill sets always spark creative ideas. Find people that are successful in their niche about your niche.
- Set Aside Time: Dedicate time for brainstorming and thinking without distractions. Creativity can happen in an instant, but often takes time to get to the inspirational flash. Clear your mind and let the subconscious work on it. That’s why just going for a walk can work so well.
Tools and Techniques for Boosting Creativity
Tools can help pulling things apart or drawing them together. They can spark things and access other parts of you thinking. Find the creative tools that work for you.
Mind mapping is an excellent visual tool that helps you organise and connect ideas. Start with a central concept and branch out with related ideas in all directions. This technique can help in seeing the bigger picture and uncovering connections between different elements.
Set aside time for team brainstorming sessions. Encourage free thinking and the sharing of all ideas, no matter how outlandish they may seem. Use techniques like:
- Round Robin: Everyone takes turns sharing an idea.
- Rapid Ideation: Write down as many ideas as possible in a short period.
- To me, to you: In pairs take turns to pass the ‘idea stick’ between each other and grab it back if necessary or use ‘Yes, and…
SCAMPER is an acronym for:
- Substitute: Replace part of the problem with something else.
- Combine: Combine two or more parts to make something new.
- Adapt: Adjust or tweak the existing elements.
- Modify: Change the attributes or functions.
- Put to another use: Use the solution in a new way.
- Eliminate: Remove parts to simplify.
- Reverse: Reorganize or reverse the order.
All sorts of creative solutions can start to flow, then follow the thinking.
Developed by Edward de Bono, this technique involves looking at a problem from six different perspectives:
- White Hat: Focus on data and facts.
- Red Hat: Consider emotions and feelings.
- Black Hat: Identify potential problems and risks.
- Yellow Hat: Look for benefits and value.
- Green Hat: Think creatively and generate new ideas.
- Blue Hat: Manage the thinking process.
You know your preferred hat, so try on some others.
Keep a journal to jot down your thoughts and ideas. This can help in reflecting on daily experiences and capturing fleeting ideas that might spark creativity later. Also use it to capture your wins. Journaling can help solve every problem you face – yes, really!
It’s a great tool to help you better manage things that trigger you, by reflecting on how you responded in the moment and what a better option might be in the future.
There are many digital tools available that can help capture and manage your creativity:
- Trello: For organizing ideas and project management.
- Miro: An online whiteboard for brainstorming and collaboration.
- Evernote: For notetaking and storing ideas.
- ChatGPT: For whatever you want it to be. A coach, assistant or editor
The Creative Environment Matters
Your work environment impacts your creativity. Here are some ways to create a workspace that inspires creativity:
- Personalisation: Surround yourself with items that inspire you. This could be artwork, plants, or personal mementos. A personalised space can stimulate your mind and make you feel more comfortable.
- Natural Light: Ensure your workspace has plenty of natural light. Exposure to daylight has been shown to improve mood and productivity.
- Colour: Use colours that boost creativity. Colours like blue and green can enhance creativity and calmness, while yellow can energize and inspire.
- Noise: If music works for you go for it, if silence is your thing, seek that quiet space. I find sometimes noise helps other times quiet. Driving the car without the radio on is a great thinking space.
- Declutter: A clutter-free workspace can help you think clearly and focus better. Organise your desk and keep only essential items.
- Comfort: Invest in comfortable furniture. A good chair and desk setup can prevent physical discomfort and help you focus on your creative tasks.
- Breakout Spaces: Create areas where you can take short breaks. Sometimes, stepping away from your desk can help new ideas emerge. Take a walk, go to a different department’s work space. Mix it up.
Effective communication is vital for fostering creativity. Here’s how to ensure your communication supports creative thinking:
- Open Dialogue: Encourage open dialogue where team members feel SAFE to express their ideas without fear of judgment. This can lead to more innovative solutions.
- Active Listening: Practice active listening. Pay attention to what others are saying and consider their ideas fully before responding. No active listening, no creative conversation.
- Constructive Feedback: Provide constructive feedback that focuses on improvement and encourages further creative thinking. Avoid negative criticism that can stifle creativity.
- Regular Check-Ins: Hold regular check-in meetings to discuss ongoing projects and brainstorm innovative ideas. This keeps the creative momentum going and builds progress.
- Clear Objectives: Ensure everyone understands the goals and objectives. Clear direction helps focus creative efforts towards a common goal. What does success look like? – make your creative output deliver the right outcomes. Precise not vague.
Communication is key - Having creative ideas and solutions is the first step. You must be able to sell them and then make them happen and real.
Creativity is not a rare gift, but a skill that can be developed by everyone.
By changing your perspective, embracing curiosity, and using specific tools and techniques, you can enhance your creativity at work.
Additionally, creating a supportive environment and effective communication practices can further boost your creative output.
This leads to more innovative solutions, better problem-solving, and a more dynamic work environment.
CTA - Start incorporating these practices into your daily routines and watch your creativity flourish.