How do you use creativity to allocate resources more effectively?

Obviously seeing what can be stretched and what can be accomplished without exhausting resources is the best way to move forward when resources are limited, but getting creative goes beyond that. What can you growth hack? What can you use that’s free? Don’t forget that success leaves clues!

Creativity in resource allocation has been a pivotal aspect of my project management journey. One noteworthy example is when I led a team in streamlining inventory and supply chain management. By creatively implementing a robust batch release tracking system, which integrated power queries, Excel dashboards, and SAP integration, we achieved an impressive 10 weeks of zero stock-outs. This creative solution not only optimized resource allocation but also enhanced overall operational efficiency.

Based on my experince, creative resources allocation is closely tied to fostering cognitive diversity. Diverse teams tend to be both more productive, and more creative, as such the path to creative resources allocation commence with team composition, and providing a safe space for the exchange of diverse ideas.

In my experience, I've found that creativity in resource allocation is not about generating new ideas, but about reimagining the process of allocation. Adopting different structures distribution models allow in maximising the potential of any project or entity. A fluid or adaptable model can cater to a vast majority of needs and demand. For instance, a structure of both central and niche allocation of resources allows for not only saved costs but also fostering a sense of camaraderie and innovation within the team. This also underlines that creativity in resource allocation isn't limited to seeking alternatives; it's about cultivating a culture of resource consciousness and collaboration within systems of different needs and sizes.

Worded another way, "how can we solve our own problems?" When resources don't match up or are not allocated for projects you consider of value, turn the problem on its head. Creativity with resources means examining the resources that ARE available to see if they can address what's needed. Let's say as a markerter, you wanted new software for a digital management system, but budget was denied. Take inventory of existing systems. Does your project management software have tools you're not using? What about your email marketing system? Oftentimes, you'll discover your creativity will solve a resource allocation issue by looking at resources in new ways.

Creativity is not just about optimisation but about disrupting, challenging the norm and out of the box innovation. If done efficiently, creatively allocating resources will exceed in measure in bringing about both customer as well as employee satisfaction. If we take the simple example of inefficient meetings and the amount of time spent on such meetings by various stakeholders - about how this can be changed such that it ensures efficient use of time in meetings, visibility and clarity of outcomes to stakeholders and meaningful outcomes that enrich not only the VP for clients but also the experience of an organisation's values by internal teams.

A way to develop creativity in resource allocation is analysing other individuals, markets or industries. As an example, as a former police officer, resource allocation was one of my top priorities during critical incidents. How do police officers (or similar people) allocate resources and can we learn from this in business? It is always good to keep learning from other, maybe less obvious, perspectives.

According to Ray Kurzweil’s Law of Accelerating Returns, “the rate of change in a wide variety of evolutionary systems (including the growth of technologies) tends to increase exponentially”. So does the need for creativity when finding solutions in any situation. The skills highly demanded are lifelong learning, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. Creativity has been too long assigned to r&d or marketing, seen as their main domain. It is, in my opinion, a characteristic of today’s leaders, but also of each and every member of a team, who can contribute to a better outcome. Taking ownership of one’s contribution to better resource allocation can be one of the most sought-after characteristics of a team player.