Boost creativity: tips, tricks, creativity techniques for practitioners
Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine, and at last, you create what you will – George Bernard Shaw
Creativity
Creativity is demanded in many places, promoted at a few. But what can creativity do? Here you will find tips, tricks, and instructions for creativity techniques and creativity tools.
Creativity may be a human reflex, but it can be disarmed if it is not promoted.
Karsten Noack
What is creativity?
What exactly is creativity anyway? Take a look to see what it means to be creative and why this skill is such a valuable one to have. I ask Vulcan Spock, Commander of the starship Enterprise what creativity is, and he answers; “Creativity describes the ability of an individual or a group to think and act in imaginative, creative, and associative ways to make a meaningful contribution to problem-solving.” The answer doesn’t satisfy me, what do you think?
New approach: Creativity is the creative ability that is expressed in action or thought and is characterized on the one hand by novelty and originality, and on the other by a meaningful and recognizable connection to the solution of technical, humanistic, or sociopolitical problems. Well, that is not more understandable either.
So what?
What exactly is creativity?
What’s doable?
Creativity may be a human reflex, but it can be disarmed if it is not encouraged.
Karsten Noack
It is so frequently loudly claimed that innovations are a decisive element in securing the existence of companies. If this is true, then it is necessary to clarify how companies are shaped so that creative thinking can take place.
There are examples of companies that have searched and found answers to this question. Some have changed the conditions around their employees and opened up to the outside world. As a reward, some of them experience a creative boost. As a result, a number of smaller and larger innovations have emerged.
Is creativity really that important?
Creativity is often challenged, less often really encouraged. It is astonishing that creativity is demanded in many places and actually promoted in a few places. Why this contradiction?
What is the real truth behind the supposed miracle weapon of creativity? Are there only advantages or does creativity also have a dark side in companies? Where there are opportunities, there are often risks.
Tools
Creativity can be encouraged with the right creative tools. Here is a list of some creativity techniques that I can train you in.
- 6-3-5 Method
- Anonymous brainstorming
- Bisociation
- Brainstorming
- Brainwriting
- Clustering
- Didactic brainstorming
- Destructive-constructive
- Brainstorming
- Imaginary brainstorming
- Collective notebook
- Mind mapping
- Open space
- Osborn Checklist
- SCAMPER
- Six perspectives
- Synectics
- Inversion method
- Visualization
- Walt Disney Strategy
Some of these creativity techniques can be used by a single person or in a group. In the descriptions with step-by-step instructions (on www.karstennoack.de in German), you can find out how exactly this works. Even better: invent your very own creativity technique! And if you would like support in brainstorming and advancing your ideas, just give me a call.
Your trainer, coach and travel companion
Whether as an engineer or as a manager, privately, professionally and since 1998 in self-employment; hardly anything is possible without creativity. In coaching and my specialization (to help them present themselves and their message compelling – in conversations and presentations) creativity is very important. For years, I have offered workshops on creativity and creativity techniques and moderated creative processes. Benefit from my experience in marketing, psychology, and communication.
Find out more about me in my profile.
Just ask me personally
Please post any questions that may be of interest to other readers in the comments. Looking for professional help?
If you are interested in coaching, training or consulting, if you have organizational questions, or if you want to make an appointment, you can reach me best via this contact form (you can choose if you want to enter your personal data) or via e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). You can also reach me by phone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 or by cell phone at +49(0)1577 704 53 56 from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 18:00. Most of the time I am in sessions, so please leave a message with your phone number in Germany. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will get back to you as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.
Transparency is important. That is why you will find answers to frequently asked questions already here, for example about me (profile), the services, the fees and getting to know me. If you like what you see, I look forward to working with you.
Message
Remarks:
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What my Clients say
It was inspiring to work with you! I developed my business model and enjoy the insights. Thank you!
Freda Helms
Berlin, Germany
I was looking for a creative coach with a background in marketing. Karsten has been sensitive, thoughtful, wise and asked the right questions at the right time. Creativity is all about thinking in new and different ways. He helped me take a step back to see the bigger picture. Then he helped me set out the steps I needed to take so I could achieve my ambitions.
Mark Depuis
Bern, Switzerland
I had a book to write to a deadline and with that coaching I was able to crush a lot of those creative blocks and be more productive. You helped me become clearer and more confident as an author.
Christina A.
Berlin, Germany
Frequently asked questions
What is creativity?
Creativity is the ability to generate or identify ideas, alternatives, or possibilities that may be useful in solving problems, communicating with others, and entertaining ourselves and others.
Why is creativity so important?
Creativity opens the mind, it helps us to view and solve problems more openly and with innovation. It broadens our perspectives and can help us overcome prejudices. Creativity can help the world a better, more beautiful, more friendly place. And it feels good to be creative.
Is everyone creative?
Aphantasia: Living without mental images.
Most people consider it normal to be able to visualize. But a small percentage of humanity does not have this ability. We call this Aphantasia. This is what this article is about.
22 ways to ask better questions
Ask better questions, and as a result, you get better answers. Questions are the best way to gain more perspectives and develop more innovative solutions. Here are some recommendations for better questions because they lead to insights, creativity, and excellent leadership.
Are you a hero or a mere dreamer? Start doing and stop dreaming.
Dreaming is a good starting point for a challenging journey. But dreaming isn’t enough without actions. Wishful thinking is hoping for something and waiting for someone else to make it happen. Be a hero, because we need a lot of them!
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Published: June 21, 2001
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: August 10, 2019
Translation: August 10, 2019
German version: https://www.karstennoack.de/kreativitaet/
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Creativity is so important. Creativity is a way of living life that embraces originality and makes unique connections between seemingly disparate ideas. To change the world we need a lot of better ideas.