Ever feel like the word “creativity” in business is thrown around like confetti, but no one tells you how to catch it? You’re told to be original and innovative to stand out, but what if you’re not the next Da Vinci? The good news is that you don’t have to be! Creativity in business is a skill you can develop and in this blog, we’ll provide some practical tools for that.
6 Tips to Find Inspiration And Be More Creative in Business
#1 Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Breaking away from routine seems to be beneficial. But how do you do it? Once a week, commit to trying something completely new. This could be as simple as taking a new route to work, trying a new cuisine, or attending a workshop in a field you know nothing about. Each new experience is a potential goldmine of ideas. The key is to keep your senses alert and draw parallels or inspiration for your business.
Quick Tip: How about improvisation classes? They’re not just for actors. They can help you think on your feet and foster creative problem-solving skills.
#2 Collaborate with Diverse Teams
Diversity is not a buzzword, it is, indeed, very important. Create a “mixed bag” team for your next project. Include people from different departments, backgrounds, and even different companies if possible. Host a joint brainstorming session and see how varied perspectives can lead to innovative solutions.
Inspiring example: Consider how Pixar brings together artists, technologists, and storytellers to create groundbreaking animated films. Their diverse skill sets and viewpoints are what make their stories resonate with audiences worldwide.
#3 Encourage a Culture of Openness
In a workspace where every idea is welcomed, creativity flourishes. Create an environment where nothing is too silly. It’s often the wild, “out there” suggestions that pave the way for groundbreaking solutions. So, the next time someone pitches an unconventional idea, explore it instead of dismissing it.
Curious fact: Google’s “20% time” policy, allowing employees to work on personal projects, has led to innovations like Gmail. It shows how a culture of openness can foster significant breakthroughs.
#4 Manage Stress Effectively
Stress stifles imagination and keeps your brain in survival mode. Integrate short, mindful activities into your day. This could be a 10-minute meditation session using an app, a brief walk outside, or a simple stretching routine every couple of hours. Use natural supplements that promote exploration — explore the effects of kava and different herbs.
Major focus: In effect, any activity you genuinely enjoy can give your mind a “reset” and help it maintain clarity and openness to new ideas.
#5 Don’t Fear Failure
Innovation often lies on the other side of failure. When a project doesn’t go as planned, hold a “lessons learned” meeting. Focus on what you can take away from the experience. Create a “fail forward” culture where risk-taking is celebrated, and setbacks are viewed as growth opportunities.
Did you know? Dyson went through 5,126 prototypes before creating the first bagless vacuum cleaner.
#6 Brainstorming
Finally, set aside time for brainstorming sessions where there are no bad ideas. Encourage your team to think wildly and without limits. Use techniques like “brainwriting,” where everyone writes down ideas anonymously. This encourages even the shyest team members to share their thoughts.
4 Unobvious Sources of Creativity to Explore
Creativity needs nurturing. If you think you’ve tried all sources of inspiration possible, check a few more below.
- Nature and Outdoors
There’s something about nature that gets our creative juices flowing. Whether it’s a stroll to a shop for lunch or a team meeting outdoors, being outside can be very inspiring.
- Children’s Books or Shows
Think it’s just child’s play? Think again! Children’s books and manga are brimming with imagination and simplicity. They can inspire you to think more freely and vividly.
- Old Inventions or Theories
History is a goldmine for inspiration. Looking at how past inventors and thinkers approached problems can give you a fresh perspective.
- Travel and Cultural Experiences
Traveling, or even just engaging with different cultures locally, can broaden your thinking like nothing else. It exposes you to different ways of living and problem-solving.
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As you may see, creativity in business isn’t reserved for a select few with “natural talent.” It’s about perspective, exploration, and the right environment. Use these tips and, who knows, you might just stumble upon the next big idea for your business.
