What are the best ways to show that you're a creative thinker when seeking a promotion?

Showcasing projects for a promotion involves strategic presentation. Begin by selecting projects that highlight your creativity & problem-solving. Create a concise presentation outlining the project’s objectives, challenges faced & your creative process. Visual aids like graphs, images, or prototypes enhance engagement. Focus on results: demonstrate how your creativity impacted outcomes, whether through increased efficiency, cost savings or improved performance. Incorporate testimonials validating your contributions. Practice your presentation. Tailoring your presentation to resonate with the audience while emphasizing tangible results greatly enhances your chances for promotion.

A good, slow, but effective way is to demonstrate through your work, as they say: let your work speak for you, always look for solutions, don’t think that the solution that comes to your mind will be seen as ridiculous, if the problem is still there and you have the solution then you have the opportunity and it could mean that no one has thought about how to solve it, don’t be afraid. Always solving problems using “thinking outside the box” is a testament to your creativity.

Firstly Understand the problem. Be the first to add your personal experience, generate ideas, evaluate and select ideas, communicate your ideas.

Sharing insights effectively involves tailoring your message to your audience. Start by understanding their level of expertise and interests. Keep your communication clear & concise—use graphs or charts to enhance understanding. Frame insights within a story or narrative to make them relatable. Provide context around the data, explaining its significance & implications. Encourage discussion & interaction to deepen understanding and gain diverse perspectives. Offer actionable recommendations stemming from the insights. Utilize various mediums such as presentations, reports, or interactive sessions. This approach ensures your insights resonate, engage, and drive meaningful action among your audience.

When I'm aiming for a promotion and want to showcase my creative side, I make sure to talk about the unique solutions I've come up with for tricky problems we've faced. I always try to bring new ideas to the table, especially for the challenges we're currently dealing with. It's also about showing that I'm open to trying different ways of doing things. I love sharing stories about how I've approached tasks from a fresh angle. And of course, being active in team brainstorming sessions and building my network within the company really helps in highlighting my creative thinking.

One of the boldest risks I've taken was when I decided to leave my home country. I sold my house and moved with my family to Barcelona for a fresh start. It was a huge leap, but we were convinced it would be more beneficial for us in the long run. This decision required a lot of creative problem-solving and adaptability... In a similar vein, I decide to leave a company I had been with for 15 years. Stepping out of my comfort zone, I embraced a new challenge by joining a new company right in the middle of the COVID crisis. This was no small decision, but it turned out to be a great move! It not only demonstrated my willingness to embrace change but also showcased my resilience and ability to thrive in new environments.

I've always fueled my creativity by developing new skills and habits. When I became an e-commerce Director, I dove deep into digital, learning from various sources. In managing new business projects, I educated myself on finance to enhance profitability. Now, I'm delving into AI, constantly seeking knowledge through reading and webinars. I use mind mapping and sketching for idea generation, and habits like meditating and journaling keep me creatively charged. This continuous learning and habit cultivation shows my commitment and proactive approach to creativity.

Being yourself & finding joy in what you do matter a lot, especially when you're navigating through challenging situations or striving for recognition. Being yourself means bringing your genuine self to the table. When you stay true to who you are, you can express your ideas & talents in your unique way, which often sparks innovation & creativity. Success isn't just about reaching the destination; it's about enjoying the journey too. By being authentic & finding joy in what you do, you not only maintain your enthusiasm but also bring a contagious energy that positively impacts those around you. So, while you're striving for your goals, don't forget to be yourself and have fun—it makes the achievement even sweeter!

Sometimes, it feels like dancing in the spotlight, but if the audience is snoozing, it might be time to change stages. Putting in relentless effort is admirable, but recognition needs the right audience. If your showstopper performance isn’t getting the standing ovation it deserves, maybe it’s a cue to find a venue where your spotlight shines brighter. After all, it's not the effort, it's the applause that counts after a performance!