1. Work alone
Some people are more creative when working alone, compared with working in a team. Within groups, individuals may fear rejection of their ideas. There is also the problem of ‘group-think’, where the dominant member leads others down a certain thought path.
It is therefore useful for team members to brainstorm ideas alone and then get together to discuss, workshop, and select the best ones.
2. Get away
Bill Gates is known for retreating to a private place for weeklong periods, taking only a pile of books with him.
It is difficult to come up with fresh and lucid ideas when your mind is cluttered with information and the stress of daily life. So, take a break. Leave your email account and mobile phone behind and spend some time in isolation clearing your mind.
Whether your preference is sitting sit on the beach, jogging in the park, or locking yourself in your bedroom with some books, taking time away from the office can prove a fruitful exercise in refreshing the mind.
3. Make a start
It’s a cliché to say that starting is the hardest part, but it’s a simple truth. You don’t need an amazing beginning – just start and the ideas will start to flow as you delve further into your project. You can always make changes later if you aren’t happy with your starting point.
Many authors lay testimony to this. It takes a great deal of self-discipline and commitment to sit in front of the computer every day and write.
4. Write it down
Start your brainstorming session by writing any thoughts down. These ideas will lead to others, which will lead to more still. You will surprise yourself with the number of ideas you generate by simply using pen and paper.
5. Work with others
Once you have exhausted your imagination, it’s time to increase the stakes. Discuss your ideas with colleagues, or even people outside the workplace, as they may have a fresh perspective. Your ideas will bounce off each other and you can develop the concepts further, even just by expressing them aloud.
6. Use tools
Games, puzzles, textas, pictures, dictionaries… Surround yourself with resources to help the creative process. You may also like to use activities that get groups thinking. If you have been to one of our workshops, you may have used CCS cards (visit www.ccscorporation.com.au for further ideas on the use of CCS cards). These picture cards are great for ‘breaking the ice’, levelling the hierarchy and getting people to express their thoughts freely.
But, you don’t always need a prop. Ask team members to take a moment and write three points – for example, “what are three things about the workplace you would change if you had a magic wand”. Then give people an opportunity to read their responses aloud. This is a great way to facilitate discussion.
7. Look at other businesses
Look to others for inspiration. How do different businesses - in both your industry and others - do things? Read articles, books and case studies about different companies. You may be able to adapt some of the ideas you read about or use them for inspiration.
You can also talk to peers when the opportunity arises. Ask other business leaders how their company is managed.
8. Surround yourself with creative people
Different personality-types can provide constant challenge and inspiration. Sean Penn, regarded as a creative genius by the acting community, is known for bringing a posse of eccentric people along with him to film sets. Find people who stimulate you and discuss your problems and ideas with them.
When hiring new recruits, look for the qualities that creative people have: independence, open-mindedness, confidence and curiosity.
9. Decorate your office
Physical environment can have a tremendous impact on the creative process. Think about what message your workplace is sending its employees.
Tom O’Toole, owner of the highly successful Beechworth Bakery, plasters his office walls with inspirational posters. He can reel off motivational quotations for every occasion.
Find out what motivates your workers. Plants, artwork, coloured walls, bookshelves, posters, flowers, sculptures, music, magazines… Let some fun creep into your office and watch the result.
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