I’m sure you hear it all the time…think outside the box. It’s one of the phrases meant to inspire people at work to come up with new ideas, try new things, and get better results. Lately disrupting or disrupt business is a phrase that’s heard a lot. In a way it means the same thing. Find ways to change things. But how is that done? Where do you look, where do the ideas come from. Do you need creativity at work? Yes, please!
Why Creativity at Work at is Important
Many people think of the word creative or creativity and think about artists: painters, writers, musicians. Sure, they’re creative, but so are scientists, engineers, chefs, and even business leaders. Creativity is the ability to come up with new ideas, put two things together that never went together before like fusion food or or rappers sampling love songs.
Businesses need creative people. People who look at the ways things are working and think about how it can be made or done better. Or people who create a completely different program that’s just a light bulb moment similar to the last program. That’s where innovation comes into play.
Creativity fosters teamwork. What better way to come up with new ideas than to brainstorm with your peers? Or get feedback on your projects from peers in different departments.
Creativity also fosters fun. If you’re having fun at work are you really working or are you following a passion? By extension, having a team that creates together and has fun together intrigues other people who then become interested in working for your company.
How to be Creative While Working from Home
Even though we’re all mostly working from home now. You can still collaborate with peers and brainstorm ideas together. Use conference calls or Zoom meetings to talk, share ideas, and brainstorm.
If you don’t have co-workers or have limited time to collaborate, there are techniques you can use to stimulate those creative juices by yourself. Here are some suggestions.
Learn how to take a different perspective in How You See a Problem Reflects Your Creativity. And in How to Generate Ideas on Your Own, I share how you can brainstorm ideas on your own. I hope these give you some great ideas on how to “think outside the box!”
I do a personal blog, Jennifer, which actually does not reveal much about my family and other people! I reckon I brainstorm by myself in coming up with themes that allow me to express stuff while cognisant off of others! #MLSTL
Hi, Jennifer – I completely agree about the importance of creativity at work — whether at a traditional work place or at home. Thank you for sharing these tips. #MLSTL
I like that you stress creativity in fields that are not normally considered “creative” as in artistry, etc. the ability to see things differently to be willing to risk ridicule even, to entertain the notion of fun and productivity. I would be lost in a strict formal church setting where creativity might not be welcome. best and blessings, Michele
I admit that being creative helps stem the stress I am feeling following surgery and dealing with some of the restrictions of COVID. Thank you for sharing this Jennifer and I hope more businesses and bosses take heed! Denyse #mlstl
I’m struggling with this concept atm Jennifer – the novelty is wearing off early retirement a little bit for me and I need to find some direction. Just mulling things over atm but I think I definitely need a bit of creative oomph to get me rebooted. #MLSTL
Hi Jennifer, great to read your ways of being creative and you’re right businesses need creative types! When I worked it was a fun place made more so by the creative people I worked with and I miss that the most about being retired. #mlstl
I miss that most as well.
Having creativity at work makes not only positive change but even adaptation to hard change easier. Great post!
It’s true. Creativity at work is not only fun but allows you to adapt to difficult situations and allows space for innovation.
You are so right, Jennifer. Creativity fosters fun, and fun often sparks creativity. I’ve been missing the easy collaboration with peers that I had when we were all in the office. It can be done working virtually, but it’s certainly not as spontaneous. Thanks for the inspiration to try a little harder at sparking creativity and fun.
Thanks for stopping by, Christie. It can be hard when we’re so used to that easy collaboration, but it’s not impossible.
So many ways to look at it, arent’ there?
Yes.
There are so many ways to collaborate and be creative if you are working at home. If you don’t have co-workers join groups and watch videos with people who are in the same space and share your interests.