Creativity not only means thinking outside the frame - sometimes it is about redesigning the frame. Whether it is about problem solutions, innovation or strategic decisions - the way we think is decisive what we shape.
In innovation advice, I always experience how helpful it is to work specifically with different approaches. Here are five perspectives that promote creative thinking sustainably:
🤔 Divergent thinking: variety of ideas as a starting point
Divergent thinking is about collecting as many ideas as possible without evaluation. Unfiltered brainstorming creates the basis for real breakthroughs - because: more ideas = more creative opportunities.
💡 Lateral thinking: detours lead to real innovations
Lateral thinking leaves the usual path. Instead of linear steps, we follow unusual connections and perspectives. This creates solutions that would hardly be accessible with linear thinking.
🎨 Aesthetic thinking: Designing emotions and experiences
Aesthetic thinking puts effect, beauty and feeling. It forms the basis for inspiring design, moving storytelling and artistic innovation. Those who think aesthetically create experiences - not just products.
🌐 Systemic thinking: Understand relationships
Systemic thinking means keeping an eye on the whole thing. Each decision influences a larger network - be it in the company, in the health system or society. This thinking leads to more sound and sustainable decisions.
🔥 Inspirational thinking: Creativity through intuition
Some ideas do not arise from analysis, but by intuition, experience and emotion. Inspirational thinking relies on the inner feeling and opens rooms for creative impulses that can hardly be planned rationally - but often hit the mark.
Conclusion: approaches are tools
In creative processes, the "right" thinking does not count, but the right one. The combination of different perspectives is often needed to develop new solutions. Those who switch flexibly between thinking create space for innovation, depth and effect. This is exactly what tools like Lego Serious Play are suitable for. The method combines different perspectives, the team thinks in 3D, and comes into conversation with each other.
Curious? Listen to our podcast playful.mpact . With many tips and application examples.