5 ways to nurture creativity in yourself and others

Creativity is a complex and dynamic process, influenced by our environment, mindset, and the tools we use. It’s not limited to writing or design; it’s about problem-solving, innovation, and thinking outside the box in any area of life.

Though there are countless strategies to foster creativity, these 5 are practical, impactful, and easy to start incorporating right away. They can serve as a strong foundation for cultivating creativity, both professionally and personally.

Curiosity drives a lot of what we do. Whenever you're kicking off a new project, asking the right questions is key.

Open-ended questions encourage deeper dialogue and help uncover valuable insights. Some good ones are:

• How?
• Why?
• What if?
• What else?

Avoid walking away from conversations with assumptions—instead, strive to spark discussions that bring clarity and innovation.

Rephrasing questions can also be helpful. If a colleague or stakeholder doesn't understand or isn't providing detailed answers, reframe your question to get closer to the information you need. If you happen upon a topic the person is passionate about, you may be able to ride that wave back to earlier questions with better results.

Also keep a curious mindset outside projects. Look into professional development opportunities, or explore new ideas and tools. Don’t be afraid to experiment, even if the pursuit doesn't lead to anything solid. Sometimes, just exploring something novel can be fun and energizing. As a creative person, it all feeds the work.

Collaboration happens in many forms—internal brainstorms, external meetings, and one-on-one conversations. It’s the backbone of creativity and innovation, allowing individuals to pool their unique perspectives and skills.

Sharing ideas is essential because great ones often emerge when we build on others' suggestions. For example, during a recent brainstorm for a promotional giveaway, everyone on the team actively contributed ideas. While most suggestions were strong, one person’s last-minute input stood out and became the client’s favorite. This was an inspiring reminder that collaboration can lead to unexpected levels of success when everyone’s voice is heard.

Equally important during these sessions is good listening. Paying attention to others’ ideas shows respect and opens the door for even better insights. Sometimes, the best solutions come from combining different perspectives rather than sticking to a unified viewpoint. By creating a space where all contributions are valued and explored, teams can reach more creative, effective, and impactful outcomes.

Express all your ideas, even those that seem silly or unpolished. The more ideas you share, the more opportunities there are to refine or build on them. Being open-minded also means being prepared to have your ideas challenged. Constructive feedback can make your work better and often aligns it more closely with the needs of the project.

Push boundaries when appropriate—especially when offering multiple concepts for a project. Be bold, even if it means presenting something unconventional. Just be sure to explain your rationale when doing so. Providing the "why" behind your approach can help sell your ideas or spark new ones.

Instead of viewing failure as a negative, recognize it as a chance to learn. View it as part of an exploratory process that helps you get closer to the best solution.

Finding your flow is about identifying what works best for your creative process. Consider the time and type of project, the team dynamics, and your individual style. Some people thrive under tight deadlines, while others need breathing room to step away and revisit their ideas. If you work better with breaks between brainstorming and execution, communicate this with your team.

Figure out what works for you and adapt your process accordingly. Speak up about how you like to approach projects, and work collaboratively to adjust timelines when possible.

Rest and balance are equally important. Burnout stifles creativity, so ensure you’re recharging inside and outside the office. Take your paid time off, manage your time effectively, and practice self-care to stay sharp and energized.

Finally, practice is key. Creativity isn't something that just happens when the need arises. Even though it can look like magic from the outside, it’s a skill you develop by applying the principles we’ve discussed.

For example, if you want to improve collaboration, start scheduling brainstorming sessions for your projects. If you're working on being open-minded, consciously seek out and consider feedback on your ideas. Applying these practices in small, consistent ways will lead to long-term growth.

Creativity is a mindset

Creativity is like repainting a living room. You collaborate on the colors, bounce ideas off your partner, consider approaches, and learn what works. These small acts of creativity in everyday life help grow the skills you can apply at work.

Being curious, collaborating with others, staying open-minded, finding your creative flow, and practicing regularly are all essential habits that require consistent effort and dedication. Creativity is a mindset that can reshape how you see and engage with the world around you. It will not only improve your work but also transform how you approach challenges in everyday life.