Six tips for generating group creativity.How does an association cultivate cul·ti·vate tr.v. cul·ti·vat·ed, cul·ti·vat·ing, cul·ti·vates 1. a. To improve and prepare (land), as by plowing or fertilizing, for raising crops; till. b. an environment in which staff members are inspired to be innovative in meeting members' needs? The following tips may help you jump start the creative process at your association. * Build a foundation for creative planning that encourages group members to be relaxed so they can think freely. * Prime the group to think creatively from the start by focusing creative energy on a subject other than the task at hand. * Consider employing an ice-breaker activity to trigger outside-the-box thinking. * Ask the group open-ended questions A closed-ended question is a form of question, which normally can be answered with a simple "yes/no" dichotomous question, a specific simple piece of information, or a selection from multiple choices (multiple-choice question), if one excludes such non-answer responses as dodging a unrelated to the problem on the table. * Be open to taking risks, which can release the potential for creativity and promote ownership and vision in the group. For example, consider conducting an imaginary slide show "illustrating" each major task awaiting a group. All you need to do this is a hand-held clicker click·er n. One that clicks, as: a. A remote control, as for a television or VCR. b. A computer mouse. c. A mechanical counter. and a blank wall a wall in which there is no opening; a dead wall. Blind wall, etc. See under Blank, Blind, etc. See also: Blank Wall . Asking group members what they envision for each task encourages them to buy in to the project and signals that this year's efforts will be original. * Break the all-too-common thinking gridlock Gridlock A government, business or institution's inability to function at a normal level due either to complex or conflicting procedures within the administrative framework or to impending change in the business. by asking members of the group to subscribe briefly to one way of thinking. Edward de Bono's "Six Thinking Hats" brainstorming technique, for example, allows groups to process decisions in different ways; each hat worn by the group leader is symbolic of a different style of thinking. A red hat, for example, represents the emotional response; the yellow hat focuses on positive aspects of an idea. Remember: Using creative strategies in addressing daily organizational challenges leads to the discovery of extraordinary solutions. Submitted by Jeffrey N. Shields, assistant director of leadership training, National Association of Home Builders The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is one of the largest trade associations in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the association organizes one of the largest conventions in North America, The International Builders' Show, which draws more than , Washington, D.C. |
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