13 rules for creative and innovative teams to follow

So we all know that “there are no rules to creativity” and this is rule #1, however, this is a guideline based on experience of important things to keep in mind during the collaborative creativity process. Many of the 13 rules are inspired by EdgeMakers for EdgeTeachers course and other material I have been reading in preparation of my Riyada Youth Innovation Summer Program in the past few weeks. Also, the white paper “Leading Creativity” by EdgeMakers CEO John Kao has helped shape some of the rules.
Rule 1: There are no rules to creativity
People, who the most fundamental element of the creativity process, react differently in various situations which will either have a positive or negative effect on their creativity. The best way to be creative is to exercise what you know best stimulates your creativity as a team based on your knowledge and previous experience.
Rule 2: Unlearn what you know
To be really creative, it is always best to start with a beginner’s mind. Forget for some time about what you know about a certain topic or problem because sticking to what we already know and think is right would hinder the creativity process most of the time. It’s not easy to start from ground zero and come up with good ideas but remember that no idea is a bad idea, every idea can foster other ideas that will eventually lead to THAT idea.
Rule 3: De-construct to construct
A good way to exercise the beginner’s mind strategy is to start with deconstructing what you already know into smaller pieces (that might not be related to the bigger notion) and contemplating ways to put these pieces together in new or unprecedented ways.
Rule 4: Combat creative ‘un’confidence
Many times, some team members will say that this is too difficult and that they do not know how to do it. This is the exact opposite of what we need for creativity and which is called ‘creative confidence’. To have a successful collaborative creativity process, you have to combat this ‘un’confidence with assertive thoughts.
Rule 5: Do not restrict yourself to unstated rules
After doing some lateral thinking exercises, I realized that a main obstacle to creativity is when we restrict ourselves to unstated rules. Even if they seem logical or intuitive, there are rules beyond what the rules say.
Rule 6: Build on others’ ideas
Think of all your team members as tanks of ideas that you can use to build on to generate even better ideas. Even the worst idea can have elements which could be useful so instead of criticizing others’ ideas build on them and take them to the next level.
Rule 7: Quantity leads to quality
Urge the team to come up with a large number of ideas in a short period of time because this will be the base for all the synthesis that will take place at a later stage. The more the merrier and when there is quantity it is more likely to end up with an idea of a high quality.
Rule 8: Be “inspired”
Creativity does not necessarily mean creating entirely new and unprecedented ideas. It is perfectly okay to be inspired by other creative people, companies, movies, stories, etc. to create your solution. At the end of the day, we as humans build up on what we see and experience in the world we live in.
Rule 9: Give the process plenty of time
Although it is recommended to limit the time for brainstorming, the entire creativity process cannot be restricted in terms of time. It is a continuous process where ideas keep shaping up with time and based on new encounters and experiences. To be successful, the collaborative creativity process needs to be given plenty of time for experimentation.
Rule 10: Write it down
Throughout the process, make sure to write things down and take note of the interesting points that pop up. When things are laid on paper it is easier to start making connections and to come up with new things. Sketching is also a good way to visualize things that may even spark more creativity. Do not say “there is no need to write it I will keep it in mind” because even the best ideas can be forgotten.
Rule 11: Provide a creativity-sparking environment
Back to rule #1, different people operate differently. Make sure you provide the adequate environment that would spark the teams’ creativity be it working in nature, a bright and colorful room, walls filled with inspiring quotes, or simply providing bright sticky notes.
Rule 12: Have fun during the process
Make sure to have lots of fun during the process and do not fear exploring crazy ideas and sometimes diverging off the topic. It is all part of the process.
Rule 13: Conclusions are important even if they are not final
For each of the collaborative creativity sessions, make sure to wrap up the discussion and come up with concluding remarks even if it is too early to come up with a final conclusion. These conclusions are important for future sessions and would make it easier to start from where you have finished off instead of repeating the same thing all over again.
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