So many people say they want creative solutions- but, when pressed, it’s clear they don’t have a clue what that really means. Nor are many willing to invest the money to afford themselves the chance to develop or find creative solutions. Now, I am not saying it takes a lot of money to be creative- but it does take money to keep someone on staff- or as a consultant- who can continue to develop your new ideas. Why?  Because, as a general rule, these creative types don’t contribute to the daily operations .  Moreover, the enterprise has to be willing to try something new; something that may not initially contribute to the bottom line (or, if it’s a non-profit, may not follow the generally accepted rules). Management has to understand that the enterprise can’t survive if everyone listens to that same radio station:  WII-FM (what’s in it for me?)

Creative people are those who don’t see the box, can step outside of the box, or are very quick thinkers (and can focus that thinking to solve a given problem). When these creative types don’t see some of their ideas in action, they either become bored with the enterprise or just abruptly leave.

I am sure you all have heard about the skunk works or brainstorming sessions some endeavors maintain.  These efforts require comfortable venues (I am NOT saying expensive or far away), and moderators (or managers) who insure that the cultural environment is in tune with creativity.

To develop a creative solution means you need a clear vision of what the current problem(s) is/are and are not.  You need to be clear about the goal- but flexible about the process.

Clear thinking leads to clear answers. And, while ADHD types may yield creative answers, one must still be able to concentrate on the situation at hand. Preconceived notions are never allowed in creative environments.  One needs to be flexible and able to consider a variety of options, before conclusions are reached. One needs to take the time to examine if there is a limiting step in the process (could be a lack of skill, a person, a specific obstacle or difficulty) – and eradicating it.  The salient must be to develop something that engenders passion in your customer or donor.

There is no creative process without risk- and the possibility of making mistakes. We’ve all heard the expressions- no pain, no gain; we can’t change the status quo by being the status quo. It also pays to study another industry or technology to see how they solved that similar problem or not.  Let those solutions spark your ability to analyze your problem.

So, when we are working in a team, we must remove the ability to say ‘no’ as quickly as it seems to want to come out of our mouths.  Leaders must ensure that there is clarity and focus;  the team’s environment can then be confident the process will work.  We must open our minds, defer judgment, let the ideas flow and grow.  Record everything (film is wonderful for team meetings; a secretary is critical, as well).  As the ideas flow, we may need to go back to something, because it now makes more sense- in light of the other idea(s). We need to ensure the development of two potential solutions- and then let them hang around for a day or two.  When we go back, after more gestation, we can discern which (or perhaps both) need the additional effort to become the preferred solution.

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