Practice Makes Perfect: Boosting Creativity and Innovation (Part 2)
The Boy Scouts know what they’re talking about when they say to “be prepared.”
It should be your motto, too.
Athletes are a perfect example of practicing to be prepared.
They know that if they don’t put in the blood, sweat and tears, they’ll never be ready for the big leagues.
Why would it be any different for you in your pursuit of creativity and innovation?
These are disciplines that you can practice.
Getting started
The more you engage in activities that are creative and innovative, the more natural they will become.
Failure isn’t comfortable, but it is a part of the learning process. You’ll soon get used to trying, sometimes failing and trying again.
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Think of it this way: If you’re feeling totally comfortable, it’s probably time for a new challenge!
One of the best ways to stretch yourself and get out of your comfort zone is by brainstorming.
Try this fun brainstorming activity with your team. It’s a great way to come up with good solutions quickly.
Practice makes perfect
Here’s what to do:
- Assign groups to topics. Each person in the trio will have a specific role:
- Choose an appropriate place for the activity and prepare all the supplies you’ll need. You should have markers, note cards or sticky notes, adequate wall space, some chart paper and a timer.
- Divide your people into teams of three. There should be at least two teams assigned to each topic.
- Come up with some topics or issues that need to be dealt with.
- The Brainstormer does the thinking and the talking.
- The Scribe writes down everything the brainstormer says. Each idea gets its own sticky note.
- The Organizer collects all the sticky notes for their team and puts them on the wall.
- Set the timer for three to five minutes. The Brainstormer begins coming up with ideas that the Scribe writes down. They hand the sticky note to the organizer, who takes it to the wall to post. There are two teams for each topic, so the two teams’ organizers will work together to categorize ideas. Like ideas should be placed together.
- When the timer goes off, everyone should read what’s been written on the notes and then switch roles. You’ll play three rounds so that each member of the team gets a chance to do all three roles.
- When the third round is complete, each group will use their chart paper to come up with ideas about how to put the brainstormed solutions into action. Allow 15-20 minutes for this part of the activity.
- Each team presents their ideas to the whole group.
This activity gives you a chance to work together to come up with solutions for real issues.
It’s also a way to prepare yourself for creative problem-solving in the future.
Final thoughts
Take a cue from the Boy Scouts and be prepared to share your innovative ideas at any time. Start exercising your “creativity” muscle, and watch it grow! Use this exercise with your team, and you’ll be impressed at the flow of ideas they deliver.
Prepare yourself for opportunities to showcase your creativity and innovation and start practicing!
This article is 100% written by a human named Karen Hough. She is the Founder & CEO of ImprovEdge, in the top 4% of women-owned businesses in the US, a 3-time Amazon bestselling author, Yale grad, wife and mom of three.