You’re an HR Operations manager. How can you develop your creativity skills to excel in your role?

2 How to assess your current creativity level

Before you can develop your creativity skills , it's important to have a clear understanding of your current creativity level. To measure your creativity, you can use self-assessment questionnaires, such as the Creative Behavior Inventory (CBI) or the Creative Personality Scale (CPS). These questionnaires ask you to rate yourself on different aspects of creativity, such as originality, flexibility, risk-taking, curiosity, and motivation. Additionally, creative problem-solving tests like the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT) or the Remote Associates Test (RAT) may be helpful in finding unusual uses for common objects, completing analogies, or forming words from letters. Furthermore, feedback from others such as your manager, colleagues, clients, or mentors can provide you with constructive and honest feedback on your creativity performance and areas for improvement.

3 How to practice creativity regularly

Developing your creativity skills requires regular practice. It's like a muscle that needs to be exercised and stretched to become stronger and more flexible. To practice creativity regularly, set aside time every day or week to work on a creative project or task. Utilize various techniques and tools such as mind mapping, SCAMPER, brainstorming, lateral thinking, design thinking, or the Six Thinking Hats. Additionally, seek inspiration from different sources such as books, podcasts, blogs, articles, webinars, courses, or events to gain new knowledge, insights, trends, or perspectives. Lastly, challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and try something new or different like learning a new skill or exploring a new industry.

4 How to overcome creativity barriers

Even if you practice creativity regularly, you may still encounter certain barriers that can impede your creativity. Fear of failure, rejection, or criticism can make you reluctant to share ideas, take risks, or experiment. Lack of time, resources, or support can restrict your ability to pursue creative projects or tasks, or to implement creative solutions. Mental blocks such as stress, fatigue, boredom, or distraction can reduce focus, concentration, or motivation. Habitual thinking such as assumptions, biases, or stereotypes can limit your vision, perspective, or options. To overcome these obstacles, you need to adopt a positive and proactive mindset. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity instead of a personal flaw and seek constructive feedback from others. Manage your time, resources, and support efficiently by prioritizing creative projects or tasks and setting realistic goals and deadlines. Leverage your team and stakeholders. Boost mental energy by taking breaks, relaxing, meditating, or doing physical activities to refresh your mind and body. Question assumptions, biases, and stereotypes and seek diverse opinions, experiences, and perspectives to challenge your habitual thinking.