A great leader needs to be creative because one of their key responsibilities will be problem-solving. Sometimes to solving a difficult problem requires thinking creatively. You might need to produce a solution that no one has ever produced before – and THAT is innovation!
But I’m not Creative
Be ready to surprise yourself if you give yourself a chance. Sure, boosting creativity might not be the easiest thing to accomplish, but there is one technique that I find extremely helpful. That is Freewriting. Many creative people, and people who don’t feel that they are creative, use this technique to blast through mental blocks.
How does it work?
Choose a notebook (either online or offline) and then take these simple steps:
- Clear your mind. Relax. Forget all rules of grammar or style.
- Set a time limit – beginners can aim for 5 minutes but increase the time as you get more comfortable with the exercise.
- Start your timer and start writing! Don’t stop if you make a spelling mistake. Just keep going. Don’t try to follow a pattern. If your idea fades mid-sentence don’t worry about it, just keep writing. If you get stuck and keep thinking of the same thing to write – do it – write it again. Just keep on writing, that is the only rule.
- When the timer finishes, look back at what you just wrote. A lot of it may be nonsense, but you may glean an important thought or two within in the madness.
You don’t need a dozen ideas. Maybe you see 2 or 3 to consider. Ultimately, you only need one good idea to solve the problem creatively and successfully.
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