Creativity in detail

Positive examples

• Break the deadlock situations via original thought or ideas
• Not satisfied with the first idea, consistently looking for new or better ways of doing things
• Recognise innovative and creative solutions and build upon them or use them

Negative examples

• Single minded following of action (tunnel vision)
• Relying on others for new ideas
• Put forward only traditional approaches

Developing creativity

• List ideas of how to improve the way your team operates
• Brainstorm ideas with trusted colleagues
• Observe how others are more effective in their job

Helping others to develop creativity

• Ask the individual to describe the business scenario in ten years time and the implications for their job
• Create the right environment, challenge existing custom and practice, challenge assumptions and ask for alternatives rather than one proposal
• Ask the individual to produce several ideas as to how their function can help a different function resolve a business issue
• Encourage brainstorming activities and accept and promote the right to have 'crazy' ideas
• Encourage the individual to use the best ideas from outside his/her own area
• Set an objective to develop a new process to satisfy criteria in an innovative way