Do you have the feeling that you're the kind of person who hasn't been blessed with the gift of innovative thinking? Then that really is just a feeling. Why not try some practical exercises with us to promote innovative thinking? There is a simple basis to it – the need, as you have already found in practice, to support creativity. The following eight techniques on how to start thinking innovatively have been described on the ceo.com website by the popular author of managerial advice, Jeff Haden.
1. Imagine that you have lost all your money
What would you do in such a case? Try to imagine as many ways as possible of carrying on without money.
2. Imagine the worst possible scenario
Think about what would happen if your best customer left you, if strong competition entered the market or if you lost your job.
3. Ask why
Select a particular work procedure that you repeat often and think about why you do it. Once you have given an answer, ask again. Try at least five answers and five “whys”.
4. Ignore the rules
Imagine what you would do if you couldn't use the rules that you have used up until now to solve problems. For example, you wouldn't have to get your boss’s approval any more, you wouldn’t have to ask PR or anyone else.
5. You’ve only got five minutes
Imagine that you have to resolve a particular matter within five minutes and you no longer have time to create several possible scenarios. Force yourself to decide and act immediately.
6. Try to find a perfect solution
Think of everything you have to find out and do in order to get a really perfect solution to a problem.
7. Change your routine
Select a particular routine process that you consider works well (for example, reading your e-mails every day when you arrive at the office). Then try to change it. What will happen if you read your e-mails later?
8. Look around you
Go outside and visit other companies. Look to see what they do differently to you and draw inspiration from it.
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