Big Little ThingsHow to give creativity its due (instead of killing it or faking it or misleading yourself about it) so that it can actually happen - Part 2 of 3
Here’s our second set of simple ways to keep creativity alive in your work. This shit isn’t rocket science. Actually, it’s ridiculous how obvious it is. And it’s even more ridiculous how rarely we do the bare minimum to keep from turning into zombies at work. (Part 1 here)
Go outside
It’s no secret that we need new experience to generate new ideas. You can’t continue to be brilliant if you stare at the same walls every day. To get new perspective, get your ass out of that chair, and invest an hour in a change of scenery—it will save you countless hours scanning those old walls for ideas that aren’t there.
Expand your toolbox
The more you depend on a tool, the less it does for you. So let go of the mouse and pick up a pencil. And when the pencil loses its point, stop drawing and make a collage. Or even better, abandon your toolbox completely, and invent a new tool. Because sometimes a new tool is what it takes to do the job right.
Include everybody
It’s easy to do decent work with an agreeable group. The problem is that you are not in the business of doing merely decent work. You do kick-ass work, and kicking ass requires you to include the people who make doing the work harder. Because they will also make it better. So find them, and make sure they have a say.
