Have you ever found yourself in a position where you’re asked to be “instantly” creative? Maybe in a staff meeting? Or a client who is in trouble and needs a clever way out immediately? Or maybe you’re writing a report, and you’ve got writer’s block?
If this happens to you, you’re not alone. Here are some ideas that might help:
1) Prepare the ground: if you can, find an environment that is conducive to creativity. For some people, this means a completely quiet place; for others, it may mean a room filled with stimulus.
2) Use a muse: Ask someone who is completely disconnected from the task for suggestions.
3) Change roles: Imagine you’re in a completely different role, or a completely different industry: how would they solve the problem?
4) Answer the “how” not the “what”: Creativity can be found in the strategy, but also in the implementation. If you’re stuck on one, try the other.
This week’s action item: For some, being “creative”, means looking at other’s work, and using their great ideas. Google and Social Media make this especially easy to do, and this is a serious problem. If you are basing your “new” idea on someone else’s old one, be sure to give proper credit. In some cases, this means a hotlink back to the source or an explicit recognition within your content, while in other cases, it may mean getting written permission – or paying – for the right to use their ideas.
Note: The Make It Happen Tipsheet is also available by email. Go to www.RandallCraig.com to register.
Randall Craig
www.RandallCraig.com
www.ptadvisors.com
