Creative Thinking – YOU should ask the questions

Sydney-based creative thinker Joanna Maxwell facilitated a workshop during the Foundation’s pilot TRAILBlazers course in Canberra in April.

Rural Leader asked her about working with a very different group and, apparently, the admiration between presenter and participants was mutual.

“The TRAILblazers group was one of the most satisfying I’ve worked with,” Joanna says. “They ran with everything I suggested so we could explore techniques and develop ideas together in a way that’s not always possible in one-off workshops. Their bonding was palpable and they shared refreshing elements of down to earth pragmatism and friendly rivalry. They had a lot of fun, but I know from feedback that they’re already using some techniques and tips back at work – which is the whole point.

I loved being part of TRAILblazers and look forward to coming back for more.”

Joanna shares some of her reasoning behind creative thought.

Creative thinking: your leadership edge

The 1500 CEOs who participated in IBM’s 2010 global CEO study identified creativity as the top leadership competency of the future. The study concluded that creative leaders:

• expect to change business models to realise their strategies, or to invent new models based on entirely different assumptions;
• invite disruptive innovation, encouraging others to drop outdated approaches and take balanced risks;
• consider fresh ways to drastically change the enterprise for the better and to foster innovation; and,
• are comfortable with ambiguity and experimentation.

So, if creative thinking is so valuable, how do you actually do it? You could say there are four core elements, four sets of behaviours and attitudes that develop capacity for creative thought.

Be curious

Every kid takes this for granted (think ‘fork in the power socket’), but with age we’re often less adventurous, sticking to safe, known channels and habits which hampers new ways of thinking.

To foster curiosity, turn down mental side alleys and try new things. Be open to different perspectives and ask questions like why – why not – what if – what else? Cultivate playfulness – and if you can ignore that little critical voice in your head telling you that this is all a bit silly – you’re halfway there.

Connect the unconnected

Many experts define creative thinking as ‘connecting the previously unconnected’. This happens when you talk to people in different fields, whether it’s sharing your dilemma, picking their brain for new perspectives, or just finding out about their field.

Recent research shows that people in creative industries such as advertising or architecture value lateral approaches for generating ideas. But creative thinking has benefits for all, for generating new ideas and solving problems. Creative thinking is essential for 21st century success.

Novelty and diversity build new connections in the brain, at any age. So, try something different, something outside your usual world – drive home a different way, swap music collections with a friend, cook a new dish, take a course.

Cultivate your ideas

New ideas are like seedlings; they need care, protection from enemies and shelter from the harsh light of day. You must nurture your ideas until they are robust enough for the real world.

Creative thinking doesn't always run to schedule and ideas may need to develop in their own time, to simmer on the back burner until they are 'cooked' enough to lift the lid and show them to other people.

Challenge yourself

There’s no way round this one – creative thinking means stepping outside your comfort zone, and that takes courage.

The usual ratio is one good idea from every 20 ideas (if you're lucky), and it doesn't get higher with practice; that's just how the process works. So, if you're not having lots of ideas, if you’re not taking risks, and if you’re not having failures, you’re not close enough to your creative thinking edge.

The only way to get good at creative thinking is to practice it, so why not start today?

For practical tips and ideas on fostering creative thinking, check out Joanna’s website: http://workincolour.com.au

“Creativity - the top leadership competency of the future.”

“There’s no way round this one – creative thinking means stepping outside your comfort zone, and that takes courage.”