Unleashing Creative Thinking: Why It Matters — and How to Foster It
This is the fourth article produced by participants of the monthly Facilitators Writers’ Room. Join us to co-write our next article.
Creative thinking is more than just a buzzword. In a world where artificial intelligence and automation are taking over many predictable tasks, the ability to think differently becomes our superpower. People often believe creativity is an inborn gift reserved for a few, but the truth is that creativity can be practiced, honed, and expanded by anyone. All it takes is curiosity, the right environment, and the willingness to see mistakes not as failures but as steps toward something new.
It might help to think about the wonder and daring we often have as children: we scribble wildly in coloring books, build makeshift forts, and concoct imaginative stories without worrying about being “wrong.” That fearlessness can fade over time when classrooms or workplaces teach us to shy away from mistakes. Yet deep down, we can reawaken that same sense of adventurous creativity at any point in our lives — by reminding ourselves that every misstep can reveal an unexpected insight.
As technology continues to automate routine tasks, the human capacity for unpredictable connections and inventive problem-solving stands out. That is why many leaders now recognize the importance of celebrating diversity, including different ways of thinking. Individuals who are neurodivergent — navigating conditions like dyslexia or ADHD — can often spot patterns others miss, or challenge long-held assumptions that might no longer make sense. Even if someone doesn’t have a specific “different wiring,” every person can practice being open to new experiences or perspectives. By trying fresh activities, traveling unfamiliar paths, or experimenting with a beginner’s mindset, we spark connections in our brain that we never knew were possible.
Another pillar of creativity is feeling psychologically safe enough to share ideas that might seem too bold or unfinished. In a setting where people fear judgment or see mistakes as career-ending, big ideas rarely surface. But when a team or community understands that “failing” is just a part of exploring possibilities, creative thinking can flourish. Even more than simply feeling safe, we often need an environment that gently pushes us out of our comfort zones. It is a bit of a paradox — people do their most imaginative work when they know their bold leaps won’t be punished but rather encouraged. With that support in place, they feel free to attempt what might otherwise be seen as “outrageous” or “risky.”
Of course, creativity doesn’t always appear out of thin air. Following a clear process can make a huge difference by giving people structure and confidence to explore. Whether you adopt a methodology like design thinking, the FORTH innovation method, or simply a step-by-step format of discovery, development, testing, and refining, having that map to guide you removes a lot of guesswork. At the same time, making ideas visible — through sketches, mind-maps, or digital sticky notes — helps everyone involved see connections they might have missed if they were only dealing with neat paragraphs or carefully polished slides. When you keep your brainstorming groups small, it’s easier for each person’s thoughts to be heard without the fear of speaking up in a large crowd.
In those early phases of generating ideas, it’s also important to make sure everyone gets a chance to share. One technique is to start brainstorming sessions in silence for a few minutes, so each participant can jot down their ideas privately. This makes space for both louder voices and quieter ones, ensuring nobody’s creativity gets drowned out. It’s also helpful to ban common “idea killers,” such as phrases like “We can’t afford that” or “That will never work.” Instead, aim for the more open-ended “Yes, and…” which keeps the energy flowing rather than shutting it down.
Time constraints can also give creativity a boost. By setting a short window — maybe just a few minutes — for each round of idea generation, people tend to worry less about perfection and focus more on expressing whatever pops into their mind. Some of the best breakthroughs come from moments when individuals share off-the-cuff suggestions that initially seemed silly but end up revealing a new angle. And even if the attempt doesn’t go as planned, mistakes are valuable — sometimes a “flawed” experiment uncovers a path nobody would have found otherwise.
Once ideas begin to take shape, regular feedback loops are key. Instead of trying to polish everything in isolation, bring the group together for quick reviews and discussions. Different perspectives can help pinpoint hidden gaps or spark improvements. In this way, creativity becomes less about one person having a lone stroke of genius and more about a team continuing to refine and combine concepts until something fresh and exciting emerges.
To keep that creative energy alive over the long term, treat it as an ongoing practice rather than a once-a-year brainstorm session. Keep feeding your curiosity by reading about topics that are outside your usual focus. Ask questions about why certain processes are the way they are, or how they might be turned upside down. Seek out the opinions and experiences of people who come from different backgrounds than you. And, perhaps most importantly, maintain a culture — whether it’s at home or in the workplace — that welcomes prototypes, early drafts, and the learning that comes from experimentation.
The road ahead suggests that automation will only grow, taking care of our repetitive tasks. That reality means creativity stands to become an even more prized capability. We don’t have to be painters or poets to harness it, either. By adopting a daily habit of asking new questions and exploring new perspectives, by encouraging each other’s ideas rather than shooting them down, and by trusting that we can learn from every stumble, we unlock a powerful resource for innovation. As we look to the future, the ability to dream up unexpected ideas, adapt to change, and see opportunities where others see obstacles will continue to shape what we can achieve — both as individuals and as entire organizations.
