Where do Ideas Come From? 5 Ways to Get Creative | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Project managers can generate creative ideas by deliberately setting aside time for thinking, engaging in conversations, creating mind maps, harnessing sleepy inspiration, and maintaining an ideas file.

Key Insights

• 🤔 Deliberate creative thinking, through dedicated time for reflection, can lead to valuable new ideas and directions for projects.
• 💖 Engaging in conversations with others triggers connections and sparks new ideas.
• 🤯 Mind maps help project managers visually organize and connect different concepts, identifying gaps and generating new insights.
• 🥳 Timing plays a role in creative idea generation, with the end of the day and the morning often being opportune moments for inspiration.

Transcript

in this video I'd like to ask the question where do ideas come from and present you with five ways that we get creative ideas as a project manager I'm always trying to stay one step ahead and this isn't just about trying to get my reaction in early it's about coming up with new and innovative directions in which I can take my project to create more... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is it important for project managers to come up with creative ideas?

Project managers need to continuously innovate and find new directions for their projects to deliver more value to clients, sponsors, and bosses. Creative ideas help in achieving this.

Q: How can project managers deliberately engage in creative thinking?

Project managers can set aside dedicated time for thinking, such as going to a cafe or coffee shop, with just a pen and notebook, and allowing their minds to wander. This deliberate creative thinking can lead to valuable insights.

Q: How can conversations aid in generating creative ideas?

Conversations with others can trigger connections, spark ideas, and provide new perspectives on existing problems. The interactive dialogue helps in making new connections and generating fresh ideas.

Q: How can mind maps help project managers in the creative process?

Creating a mind map, starting with a central topic and branching out to associated ideas, allows project managers to visualize the topic, identify connections, fill gaps, and develop a comprehensive understanding that leads to new ideas and improved concepts.

Q: How does the timing of the day affect creative idea generation?

Ideas often come to mind either towards the end of the day when one is tired or during the magic hour in the morning, just after waking up. Project managers can harness these periods to let ideas surface and provide inspiration.

Q: What is the benefit of maintaining an ideas file?

By recording interesting ideas in an ideas file, project managers have a constant stream of inspiration to draw from when they need it. This collection of ideas can be a valuable resource for emails, articles, presentations, and videos.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Taking time out to think and allowing the mind to wander can lead to new ideas and improved directions for projects.

• Engaging in conversations with others can trigger connections and spark new ideas.

• Creating mind maps helps in visualizing and connecting different concepts, filling gaps, and creating a product or presentation.

• Harnessing creative inspiration during the "magic hour" between waking up and being fully alert can lead to fruitful ideas.

• Maintaining an ideas file or swipe file for recording interesting ideas can serve as a resource for future creative endeavors.