Looking for good ideas? Here are some tips to be more creative at work

Most think that being creative is important for those in “creative” positions, and not needed at all for those in more “left-side brain” positions. This is significantly wrong, simply because whether it is to create a new public relations campaign or to solve a complicated finance problem, creativity is needed to think outside the box in both circumstances. But that does not mean we all have the “ease” to put on our creative hats and get to work. “The question:” is creativity something you can learn and practice?

A hundred times yes, creativity is a skill you can cultivate.

We, at The Square, are in constant search of learning opportunities and ways to better and expand our skills set, which is why we want to share these tips to get your creative juices flowing.

• Be open to failure, to try again and again

This tip is particularly important because, in order to be creative and try new things, we must understand that some ideas may not work out. This is naturally part of the process and we mustn´t get discouraged when failing. (Emphasis on fail because at The Square we are believers that nothing is inherently a failure, but just teachings of what not to do and what to do).

• To be completely open to the idea that every concept/product/service/method can be done and used differently

With this mindset, we can truly think outside the infamous box, since we go into our “creative session” without any preconceptions and can explore the deepest corners in our brains to connect two dots that wouldn´t otherwise connect because of the “it has always been done that way” way of thinking.

• Meeting with your teammates to brainstorm is the third tip

Creativity is like happiness, the more ideas you share, the more ideas you have. Scheduling regular brainstorming sessions to bounce off ideas is an efficient way to think of new approaches when feeling a bit stuck.

• Draw it out and create a visual mind-map

Mind-mapping is the process of visually connecting ideas together using shapes and lines. Some of us process information better when it is presented with visuals. Create a mind-map with your goals and break these down with your what, how, why, and once you have these written down it is easier for your brain to undertake the creative task.

• Discover what feeds your motivation

If we are more curious about certain topics, creativity comes easier than those topics in which we are not as interested. The intrinsic motivation theory argues that people will be most creative when they feel motivated primarily by the interest, satisfaction, and challenge of the work itself, and not by external pressures. Find where and when you feel most inspired, motivated, and original, and spend more energy in those areas.

• Take breaks!

We talk a lot about creative work, which can give the false impression that creativity is an extremely active, focused process when in reality stepping away from the project or task can give our mind a break and an opportunity to come back to it refreshed.

We are all creative in our own ways, but we can all learn to be more creative by practicing these tips. In addition to this, our experiences stimulate our creativity. By traveling often, reading more, meeting new people, and experiencing things for the first time with a critical spirit and an open mind, we can foster creativity one way or another.