Leo Anderle

This is spot on! Creativity for me is a spark that happens anytime, anywhere. I keep a note in my mobile to jot down ideas that just pop out. I also have a photo folder to capture visual ideas, screen shots that could be turned into best practices. We can't force ourselves to be creative when we want to. Music, videos can spark creativity. In this VUCA world, sometimes creativity is sparked by the simplest things in life. I like to watch/ re-watch Disney cartoons and arts and crafts channels in YouTube, as it helps me reduce stress, clear my thoughts.

Seeking and giving is a vital leader's skill going forward. In an era of technology vis-a vis a multi-generational workforce, we need to know how to manage this. We use our internal communication platform to share feedback. We also do pulse surveys when major initiatives/ programs are being planned. I think, what is key is it has to be real-time and not wait for the annual employee engagement survey.

With a multi-generational workforce, we must ensure we look at how we trigger creativity leading to innovation. I work in learning and talent development and for the younger generation, we have to think of platforms that will catch their attention. We must gamify processes and build rewards through badges, points, etc. It must mirror popular social media platforms and apps to encourage them to use it. We try out new apps, see the process flows, features, and look into how we can translate this into our own internal systems.

This is very true. I think leaders should embrace a best practice of involving and connecting with all levels of team members. I always say - the humblest leaders do not know everything, and any team member can have the most creative idea worth trying out. By involving a multi-disciplinary group, we allow creativity to flow naturally. Any ideas are welcome. Even the craziest ones. We often say to "think out of the box", but what is even better is to "express what's inside the box". Rewarding creative ideas is also important to recognize them.

We all get stuck or sometimes, we just don't have the creative juices pouring when needed. While we sit in the office trying to browse through various websites, what I like to do is to "Explore a different routine". From walking a different path heading home, enter a random shop, or even a kid's store (my favorite). It brings our mind to a different landscape and allows us to think differently. When browsing online, its also good to check other industries and not be boxed with our current one.