Ten Thinking and Dreaming Exercises for Creativity and Innovation

· Read with pen and notebook in hand; jot down any idea that comes into your consciousness.
· Keep a notebook in which you can keep track of ideas, by your bed and in your car.
· Write one idea down on a piece of paper and brainstorm any thought that comes from it: how to accomplish the idea, what to do about the idea, where to use the idea, who can help you implement the idea, and any other thought that enters your mind.
· Read a non-fiction book every week. Read magazines, journals, online articles, all-the-time.
· Clip articles and place them in a folder of related ideas. Periodically, glance through the folder.
· Create “idea files” in most folders in your computer. Create an idea or to-do file in your email program. Add ideas as they come to you.
· Take time to stare out your window (if your setting deserves attention), play with a desk toy, take a quiet walk. Do any rote activity that allows thoughts to swirl through your mind.
· Encourage your staff and coworkers to do all of the above and share ideas with each other at “think” or brainstorm sessions. Schedule annual retreats or off-site meetings to plan and generate ideas.
· Develop an employee suggestion process.
· Schedule think weeks, think days, or think hours for yourself or your work group.
Thinking time and learning time are both critical to creativity and innovation. The old adage: “stop to smell the roses” is true for both your current work and your career. Take time to plant and harvest the ideas that fuel your progress and success.