You’re in a business strategy career and want to develop your creativity. What’s the best way to start?
Creativity is a valuable skill for business strategists, as it helps them generate innovative solutions, overcome challenges, and stand out from the competition. However, creativity is not something that you either have or don't have. It's a skill that you can develop and improve with practice and intention. In this article, you'll learn some practical tips on how to start enhancing your creative thinking and applying it to your business strategy career.
The first step to developing your creativity is to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with it. Do you want to come up with more original ideas for your projects, products, or services? Do you want to improve your problem-solving or decision-making skills? Do you want to create more value for your customers, stakeholders, or partners? Having a specific and measurable goal will help you focus your efforts and track your progress.
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From my experience, enhancing creativity in business strategy involves constantly seeking new perspectives. I make it a point to explore diverse industries, engage with creative thinkers, and embrace unconventional ideas. Regularly stepping out of my comfort zone, whether through travel, reading, or workshops, sparks innovative thinking. It's also crucial to create a space where brainstorming is encouraged, and every idea is valued, fostering an environment where creativity can truly flourish. Keeping an open mind has always been my secret to staying creatively inspired.
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Entenda o cenário por completo. Seja curioso e pesquise sobre o assunto. Se certifique que esteja antenado nos pontos centrais. Estabeleça etapas, começando pelo objetivo principal e quebre em pequenas fases para facilitar o processo e conseguir mensurar seus resultados. A criatividade vem quando você se aprofunda nos desafios e testa opções. Faça contas, pesquise com seus clientes e teste suas hipóteses.
The next step is to expose yourself to different sources of inspiration that can spark your imagination and challenge your assumptions. You can read books, articles, blogs, or podcasts on topics that interest you or are relevant to your industry. You can also look for examples of successful or creative business strategies from other companies, sectors, or regions. You can also seek feedback, advice, or perspectives from your colleagues, mentors, or experts in your field.
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Busque estar cercado de fontes inspiradoras. Pessoas, livros, filmes. Atualmente existem diversas formas de inspiração. Conecte-se a pessoas que você admira, ela será a fonte central de inspiração. E vá expandindo sua rede conforme outras pessoas ao seu redor for se conectando. Mas fique atento a distrações. Manipule os algoritmos para que você não acabe perdendo o foco.
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My inspiration doesn't solely come from healthcare trends or digital health startups. Often, I look at solutions and case studies from adjacent industries. How do other sectors tackle seemingly unconnected problems that might share surprising parallels to healthcare? Inspiration also comes from the ground up – directly observing patient interactions, understanding their pain points, and identifying unmet needs firsthand.
The third step is to experiment with various techniques that can stimulate your creative thinking and help you generate, evaluate, and refine your ideas. Some common techniques are brainstorming, mind mapping, SCAMPER, SWOT analysis, and prototyping. You can also try some less conventional methods, such as using random words, images, or objects as prompts, playing games, or changing your environment. The key is to try different approaches and see what works best for you.
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I think we should experiment with various techniques the more you try the less chances of failure you will have for example. I embraced marketing and developed new categories on a tight budget. I applied this mindset to explore new business models, marketing strategies, or product innovations and learnt so much, still a long way to go but I never stop experimenting in order to find my ultimate best.
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In those early stages, experimentation means being less rigid when problem-solving. I take inspiration from design thinking methods – brainstorming, rapid prototyping, even employing user journeys from a patient's perspective to better visualize their experience. In healthcare, these techniques need to be adapted carefully. Patient safety and regulatory considerations must always be at the forefront, but that doesn't negate the value of thinking outside the box.
The fourth step is to practice your creativity regularly and consistently, as it is a skill that requires constant use and improvement. You can set aside some time every day or week to work on your creative goals, or integrate creativity into your daily tasks and routines. You can also join or create a community of like-minded people who can support, motivate, and challenge you to be more creative. The more you practice, the more confident and comfortable you'll become with your creativity.
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This ties back to a pharmacist's mindset. Continuous improvement requires deliberate action. I try to integrate pockets of creative thinking into my work, whether it's carving out time for research and ideation before a strategy meeting or trying a new problem-solving framework. It's also about connecting with like-minded professionals, attending talks or webinars that stretch my thinking, and always being open to learning new ways of approaching problems.
The final step is to evaluate and celebrate your results, as it is important to acknowledge your achievements and learn from your experiences. You can use various tools, such as journals, portfolios, or feedback forms, to document and reflect on your creative process and outcomes. You can also share your results with others, such as your managers, clients, or peers, and get their feedback and recognition. You can also reward yourself for your efforts and accomplishments, and celebrate your growth and improvement.
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Dive into case studies and strategies from industries outside of your own. This approach can provide fresh perspectives and innovative solutions that are not yet common in your field. Understanding how companies in different sectors tackle challenges can inspire novel ideas that can be adapted to your context. Look into business strategies and consumer behaviors in international markets. This can broaden your understanding of diverse business models, cultural nuances in strategy execution, and innovative practices used globally. Stay updated on digital transformation trends and how they're reshaping industries. Organize or participate in collaborative creativity sessions with people from different departments or even different companies.
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Embracing failure is a fundamental aspect of fostering creativity and innovation. Many successful individuals and organizations attribute their achievements to a willingness to take risks, experiment, and learn from mistakes. If you're trying to be more creative, set aside any fear of judgment, criticism, or looking silly, which can stifle creativity.
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