Fostering creativity in a technical environment

The beauty of working in a tech environment is that anything is possible. At first glance, it may sound that fostering creativity would be too hard in a tech environment, but, in reality, it is not only possible but essential for innovation and problem-solving. However, to do so, you must have an open mind and never say “no” to crazy ideas.

The biggest creativity blocks

When working in a tech setting, you’re guaranteed to face a fast-paced environment, and there will always be something that must be done. The thrill can easily grow into “collections” of projects, high-priority tasks, new challenges (that get harder to chew each time), etc. It is only natural that the never-ending list of monotonous things to do puts up a block on the creative part of the brain. However, it’s definitely something that can be overcome!

Keep in mind, I work as a Content Manager in CyberCare, and oh boy, must I juggle between tech and creativity at all times! 

Even though you’ll always find guidance if you’re looking for it, and such struggles as a creativity block can always be overcome by simply sharing them with your team, it’s perfectly fine to have your own inspirations along the way!

• Question everything: I always encourage a culture of curiosity. Question assumptions, processes, and solutions. By constantly asking “why” and digging deeper, you uncover underlying issues and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Embrace unconventional ideas: Bravely share unconventional, even seemingly crazy, ideas. Innovation often arises from thinking beyond the norm. I believe that all ideas should be explored to extract potential insights.
• Look at the bigger picture: Look for the larger context of your work. Understanding how your contributions fit into the broader goals of a project or your organization can spark new ideas. This perspective can also reveal areas where innovative changes can have a significant impact.
• Be open to changes: Change is not something to fear but a stimulant for growth and creativity. Find your comfort in adapting to new technologies, methodologies, or perspectives. Change can open doors to new approaches and ideas.
• Encourage collaboration: Collaboration can lead to the cross-pollination of ideas. When team members from different disciplines or backgrounds work together, they bring diverse viewpoints and experiences that can spark innovative solutions. Create and engage in an environment that is open for idea-sharing and brainstorming sessions.
• Experiment and fail: Allow yourself to test out new concepts and ideas without the pressure of immediate success. Experimentation can lead to unexpected breakthroughs and reveal insights that might not have been apparent otherwise. When mistakes happen, focus on the lessons learned and how they can guide future endeavors. 
• Never stop learning:  Develop your skills and acquire new ones by exploring new areas, attending workshops, and engaging in self-directed learning. The more diverse your knowledge, the more you can draw upon different fields to solve technical challenges creatively!
• Allocate time for creative thinking: Set aside regular intervals where you can step away from your daily tasks, look at the issues you may be facing, and brainstorm innovative solutions. This “unstructured” time can often lead to breakthroughs.
• The three A rule: Acknowledge, Appreciate, and Acquire. Celebrate creative contributions, be the cheerleader of everyone who comes up with inventive solutions, and learn about their journey towards success. This way, you’re not only creating a pleasant environment, but you’re also expanding your knowledge and perspective.

To summarise, there are plenty of ways that you can spark creativity within yourself, even in a tech field; however, there is never a “one suit fits all” case, and you have to find a way…or a suit… that will fit you! 

Remember that fostering creativity is an ongoing process. Bravely share your feedback, raise questions, and offer ideas, as your voice can create a culture that not only embraces innovation but actively seeks it out.