Introduction
Creativity in business is about the ability to generate new ideas, think outside the box, and find unique solutions to problems. This creative thinking can lead to the development of new products, services, streamline operations, reduce costs and enhance overall business performance.
Why is creativity vital in business? Why is creativity and innovation important to business success? By Paula Kerslake
In business, creative thinking is the ability to explore different possibilities to come up with new innovative ideas that can help you overcome challenges and achieve goals.
Creative people have the courage to express a unique idea or approach. They tend to encourage out-of-the-box thinking when working with others. Through creative thinking teams can see challenges as opportunities to problem solve and innovate.
Many workplaces had to rely on creative thinking during the previous Covid 19 lockdowns. Hospitality and Retail stores had to close for long periods of time. Creative thinking was vital and the ability to pivot from how things were always done to a new way of doing things. People had to look at things from a new & different perspective to find solutions to continue trading. Some restaurants changed to ‘takeaway only’. Business organisations staff had to work from home so with creative thinking workers connected via virtual meetings and digital collaboration platforms. There was surge in online Supermarket shopping. Online shopping has continued to evolve to include a delivery service of groceries now delivered within an hour.
Thinking creatively makes you a better problem-solver which has benefits in both your work and personal life.
There are some great strategies to encourage creative thinking in your workplace. Here are a few:
- Create a Supportive Environment:
- Encourage open communication and make it clear that all ideas are welcome.
- Celebrate creative work and recognise contributions, even if they don’t lead to immediate success.
- Diverse Teams:
- Build teams with diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. Different points of view can encourage new ideas and approaches.
- Provide Space for Creativity and Brainstorming sessions
- Allocate time for brainstorming sessions and creative thinking.
- Use digital collaboration platforms where people can brainstorm, share their ideas and collaborate on projects with tools such as mind maps, flowcharts and workflows.
- Create physical spaces that inspire creativity, such as comfortable lounges or dedicated breakout rooms.
- Training and Resources:
- Provide access to workshops, courses, and resources that promote creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Encourage employees to attend conferences and seminars to gain new ideas, inspiration and networking.
- Be a Leader
- Demonstrate creative thinking in your own work and decision-making processes.
- Be open to new ideas and be willing to try out-of-the-box thinking
By implementing these strategies, you can create a workplace that values creativity, continuously evolves, stays relevant, and achieves lasting success. How do you currently encourage creativity in your business?
In conclusion, thinking creatively is about being open-minded, curious, and willing to take risks. It’s about challenging assumptions and exploring new possibilities. By adopting this mindset, we can unlock our full potential and make a positive impact in our personal and professional lives.
Paula is the Director at Paula Kerslake Art. Check out Paula’s website www.paulakerslake.com
