Brainstorming

You’re in a meeting. Engagement is down 20% from the last quarter. What are you going to do? Crickets. We’ve been working the same way for the last 10 years. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. Stop having ideas and focus on your day job.

A lack of creativity means there’s a lack of innovation. If there’s a lack of innovation, you are already behind competitors. Not all ideas are good ideas, but you never know when or where the next great idea will come. The best ideas are usually when you least expect it.

Many business or technical people feel like they’re not creative. I would challenge those people with examples like ChatGPT’s launch, the electric vehicle (not to be confused with Elon Musk), or the existence of Shark Tank. Creativity doesn’t have to be drawing a picture or writing a novel. Creativity is defined as the use of the imagination or original ideas.

When the majority of your day is in meetings, it can be hard to foster creativity. Here are some tips:

1. Go outside - Ever had your best ideas in the shower or on the toilet? Changing your environment is a great way to inspire creativity. Also, taking a break from the task at hand allows the fog to clear.

2. Talk to someone new - Getting a different perspective on a situation or even talking about nonsense can be enlightening.

3. Make a list of ideas - Write down everything that comes to mind and don’t rule anything out. This is great as a group activity. When you’re open to having bad ideas, some good ones might sneak through.

4. Read - Whether physical or digital or audio, read. Whether articles or novels or comic books, read. Reading takes you to new places with new people with new journeys. How does the main character solve their problem? What helps them along their way? Was something said in a way you really enjoyed? What are your top three takeaways?

5. Exercise - Everyone knows exercise puts you in a better mood. It also takes stress away. When you are too stressed about a decision, it can be hard to think clearly about what needs to be done.

When you get an idea, write it down. It might be good now and great later with a little more thought behind it. Never discourage more ideas. Just write them down and come back to it later if it’s not something to move forward with right away. You never know when you might need it.

How are you inspiring your team to be creative? Remember, there are no wrong answers only closed minds. If you want to brainstorm, let’s set up a call.