There is quite a bit of writing out there about creativity – some good & some, well – not so much. (I’m working up a list of site I’ll recommend later.)

First – what is creativity? I like a definition I found in Eileen Dundon’s book, The Seeds of Innovation. She says (I’m paraphrasing here) creativity is making connections between two or more concepts or ideas. I’m sure there are many other good definitions, and I’d LOVE to see any you might want to contribute!

Second – how do we do it? This is a lot tougher question to answer, and I am not even certain there is a single “right” answer to the question at all. That said, I’d suggest the following things have to either line up or be present for a spark of creativity to ignite an idea or concept.

1. Curiosity.
2. A good question to answer or challenge to meet.
3. Lots of ideas.
4. No premature judgement of the quality of ideas.
5. Time to think and reflect.

Most of the writing in the broader market is about creativity and innovation in an organizational context. But what about our own need to create as individuals? Do we have such a need? If so, what can we do to spark it?

I believe we do – indeed – need personal creativity. I’m not the most creative person around, but I am happiest when I am dreaming about new and different things. I find myself doing this most while listening to music. But I try and manage to carve out time to listen and explore new music.

Oddly, when I’ve been most engaged in exploring new ideas around music, that’s when I’ve been the most productive from a creative perspective at work.

What do you do when you want to dream up ideas? Walk? Garden? Read? Run? Let us know!