I have always been interested in tools which enhance creativity, and techniques which can be used to generate new and creative ideas. When I started Roundpeg, I hoped to share some of the techniques I had learned with other business owners and managers, but I had a tough time selling the concepts.  Most “busy professionals” saw these tools, as “toys” and the activities as “playing” when they had serious work to do. So Roundpeg became more of a marketing company, with a creative influence. But every now and then I like to revisit my creative roots, so today I thought it would be fun to share links to some of my favorite posts on the topic of creative thinking.

• Square Watermelons – Sometimes a completely new solution is required to fix an old problem.
• Creative Solutions Begin with Old Tools – It is easy to chase the latest cool, shiny new toys, but sometimes your best solutions come from using things you have had all along in new ways.
• Creative Input – Sometimes you need to focus on something entirely different to spur creative ideas. When I need thought provoking diversions, I often watch a video or two from Ted.com.
• The Roundpeg Creative Process – There is a systematic process to move creative ideas from concept to reality.
• Finding Your Creative Process – Where does Creativity come from?  Another Ted.com Video
• Turn off Auto Pilot – Turn on Creative Thinking – A look at how to use Random Input to generate new solutions to old problems.

From time to time I return to this topic, because I believe it is important. Particularly when my small business owner clients are facing a wide range of challenges, with limited resources to solve them, they need creative solutions, innovative approaches, and new ideas. They need a spark of creativity. So time and time again, I return to these techniques.  

What about you? What are your favorite tools to reach a creative solution?