Think Differently: Fueling Creativity and Innovation at Work

Ever feel like you’re stuck in the same mental loop, wishing for a jolt of creativity to tackle challenges differently? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Our brains are wired to stick to the beaten path. It’s like driving the same route to work every day—it saves energy and feels easy. But when it comes to solving problems or innovating in business, “cruise control” just doesn’t cut it.

In business, as in life, fresh ideas aren’t just nice to have—they’re a must. Throughout my career, I’ve seen how stepping out of routine thinking can lead to breakthroughs. Whether it’s aligning teams to new strategies or tackling complex technical problems, creativity is often the secret sauce. And here’s the best part: creativity isn’t just a talent—it’s a skill you can build through practice.

Here are a few simple strategies I’ve found helpful:

1. Challenge Assumptions

   Ever question why things are done a certain way? Write down every assumption about a process, then flip it on its head. What if the opposite were true? This can unlock new perspectives you’d never considered.

   
   

2. Bring in Playfulness

   Remember how curious and fearless you were as a kid? Tap into that! Try brainstorming wild ideas without worrying if they’re “practical.” Sometimes, that sense of play is what leads to a breakthrough.

   
   

3. Embrace Diverse Perspectives

   Innovation happens when different viewpoints collide. Collaborate with people from various backgrounds and expertise—you’d be surprised how fresh insights emerge when you step outside your usual circle.

   
   

4. Step Away to Recharge

   Hit pause. Go for a walk, change your scenery, or sleep on it. Some of my best ideas have come when I wasn’t actively trying to solve a problem.

   
   

5. Experiment Without Fear

   Not every idea will work—and that’s okay! Treat failures as stepping stones. Every experiment teaches you something new and moves you closer to success.

Back in 2022, as we were emerging from the pandemic, my company wanted to explore launching a new line of business. It was uncharted territory, but we knew it had huge potential. I was tasked with leading the charge, and instead of sticking with traditional approaches, I brought in leaders from unrelated departments and hosted brainstorming sessions. The result? A purposeful, innovative path forward that we might not have discovered otherwise.

The truth is, we often assume that creativity is an innate gift, bestowed upon a lucky few. But in reality, creativity is not a magical talent—it's a skill that anyone can develop. With deliberate practice and the right mindset, we can all learn to think more innovatively and approach challenges with fresh, original solutions.

So—how do you spur creativity and innovation in your work or daily life? Share your thoughts and tips below—I’d love to learn from you!