For the past year we have heard much about the need for creative thinking, for new solutions to old problems and how we can navigate through the global recession. Creativity is the mental process of connecting unrelated ideas or experiences to form new ideas. Many ideas are never transformed into new products, new solutions, or new services. I am a perfect example; I have sticky notes, backs of envelopes, margins of programs, deposit slips, paper bags and yes, sometimes even regular paper filled with ideas that come to me when I least expect them. I capture every idea, observation and insight that sparks my brain and put them into an idea file because I never know which one will be the ONE that changes everything, that is the breakthrough that will make the world a better place. The late author and radio personality Earl Nightingale once said, "Ideas are like slippery fish; they have a peculiar knack for getting away from us unless we gaff them on the point of a pencil." Do I act on every new idea? No, but I do revisit the file on a regular basis to see which ideas are still viable and which ones should be discarded. The brilliant thought I have at four in the morning often dims with the light of day and reason, however it may be the stepping stone to an even better idea that will make all the difference!
Creativity alone does not guarantee innovation. Creativity involves thinking while innovation involves doing. Theodor Levitt, author and Harvard Business Review editor said it best, "A powerful new idea can kick around unused in a company for years, not because its merits are not recognized, but because nobody has assumed the responsibility for converting it from words into action. Ideas are useless unless used. The proof of their value is only in their implementation."
Start generating ideas that can be acted upon to produce innovation by implementing the following techniques.
5 WAYS TO ENCOURAGE CREATIVITY IN YOUR ORGANIZATION
1. Reduce fear of failure: If the stakes are high and success is the only goal, you can bet the most creative ideas will not be shared for fear of failing. Where there is fear there is worry, self-judgment and anxiety that will inhibit the flow of ideas. Forget about punishing failure and let the ideas flow.
2. Encourage everyone to offer ideas: The most creative people are not always the most forceful and may need encouragement to share their ideas with those they perceive as more powerful. Ideas should be allowed to flow from bottom to top not just from the leaders on down.
3. Suspend judgment: No idea is a bad idea and shooting down another's idea is not allowed. Be alert for what I call 'Killer Phrases' that squelch creativity such as, "We tried that before and it didn't work", "Why not leave well enough alone", and "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". (You can get a copy of my newest Top Killer Phrases list by emailing me at darla@darlaarni.com.)
4. Make creativity/creative thinking a habit: Pose questions and challenging statements to encourage creative thought in yourself and others. Take initiative and form a group that bounces creative ideas off of each other on a regular basis.
5. Institute an idea journal: The best ideas come to us throughout the day as we encounter frustrations with reality. I frequently find myself musing, "I wish someone would invent" and then fill in the blank with whatever it is that I need at the time. Why not write those ideas down in a journal and become the person that invents the new item, or process, or technology instead of waiting for someone else to do it for you? You will be surprised with the number of good creative ideas you generate!
By implementing these techniques you are well on your way to turning us into an Innovation Nation. Start now!
Darla shows people how creativity and personal responsibility can change the world by positively effecting perceptions, attitudes, and relationships. For additional information on Darla's presentations, consulting, and artwork or to sign up to receive her Sharing Creative Energy Newsletter, visit http://darlaarni.com
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