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TAPPING CREATIVITY
1.24.2009
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Everyone has heard of 'writers block', but what happens when creative blocks impede individual efforts and innovation work in organizations? Many of the strategies that apply to individuals can also be applied to group and organizational situations. This article suggests ways to harness creativity and 'break the block'.
1. Think of opposites -
A simple, and often very effective, way out of a block is to think of the opposite version of what you are working on. For instance if you are working on the shape of a product, and your group is nonplussed by a series of boxy, square alternatives, try intentionally creating roundish and curvy alternatives. While this method does not always yield immediate results, it is often helpful in stimulating new ideas.
By simply forcing a new set of thinking, the work may force work along a different path, new ideas and results may emerge.
2. Use 'Personas' -
Personas are a model of a typical user. For example if you are working on a software application, it may be helpful to create a template of a typical user. In larger organizations, this persona may be more concretely defined via marketing studies and focus groups. In smaller companies and in individual effort the persona may help to help creative focus and ensure that the user friendliness of the software is kept in line with the targeted user.
