Overcoming barriers to creative thinking

Overcoming Barriers to Creative Thinking
There are many barriers to creative thinking - this list covers some of them with suggestions on how best to overcome them.

Self imposed barriers
These can be imposed on ourselves consciously or unconsciously. They are particularly difficult to recognise but relatively easy to correct.

Try asking yourself - what would be an 'out of the box' solution;or, what would xx do? Try brainstorming different ideas - follow the brainstorming rules that nothing is too outrageous to go on the list. Talk to others, particularly people who you think are creative, and get insights into how they think through problems.

Patterns or belief in one unique answer
Much of our training is how to establish a pattern or find one right answer. This is difficult to break as we are trained to seek an answer to a problem.

Try thinking of more than one answer to everything. When you select your preferred solution check this against personal norms - was it predictable that you would choose this solution?

Conformity
Many people feel they have to conform to the patterns established by their colleagues in the organisation.

Try thinking - what would be totally outrageous to my colleagues, my manager, the company? If you do come up with a radical or different idea think carefully about how you introduce it - using good process, stakeholder identification and different influencing techniques mean that you can ease in a solution that might otherwise be rejected.

Not challenging the obvious
It can be tempting to find and use the most obvious answer as there is a lot of effort required to challenging the obvious solution.

To solve this problem try putting ideas on hold for a day or two and then reviewing them.

Analytical thinking
Analytical thinking has it strengths and makes a contribution. Relying, however, solely on this is a block to more conceptual or creative thinking.

Try to consciously think broadly and long term - even if initially you use analytical thinking to do this. Practice with mind maps and other visual tools that encourage non linear thinking. Try the paradigm question: “What is impossible to do right now but if you could do it would fundamentally change your business/project/etc”?

Evaluating too quickly
Evaluation of an idea is instinctive when ideas are put forward, however doing it too quickly can eliminate possible solutions or areas of thought too early.

If your inclination is to say 'this won't work' try instead to say 'this will work if we do xx' or 'what would be the benefit if it did work'.

Fear of looking foolish
This is something everyone worries about.

Experiment with people you trust and are comfortable with. Tell some colleagues that you are consciously trying to be more creative and so will be making more 'out there' suggestions. If you prepare your environment it feels safer and you are more likely to take risks.

Cynicism and negativity
This will prevent people wanting or trying to put new ideas forward. Not only will this curb your own creative thinking but that of everyone around you.

If you find you have tendencies in this way - try disciplining yourself to always think of one good thing about an idea BEFORE voicing any critique. Humour can also often unwittingly appear cynical or negative, or intimidate others - think about how you use yours; and from time to time adjust it according to the needs of the people you are with.

Inspiration encouragement:

That sounds interesting, tell me more !
That sounds interesting, let's try it !
I have never thought of it like that, thanks !
It sounds off the wall, but I wonder how we can make it work !
!..

Back to top