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1. Observe without judgement
as though you had never looked at this problem or this context before. Be curious. Even if you think you know the answer, think again.
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2. Use your thinking skills
Take time to step away from the space you usually work in day to day to sit and think. Stare into space and ponder. Quiet reflection is a vital part of creative thinking. Ask yourself questions about what fascinates you about this problem.
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3. Listen to your emotions
Observe how your feelings are engaged in the problem. When you speak to others ask them how they feel about the problem. Ask yourself questions about what frustrates you most about this problem.
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4. Bring others along with you in your information gathering.
Involve your team and even some unlikely suspects in finding out more. Ask them what they think. You might take notes or read but feed this back to the people closest to the problem for their impressions. -
5. Do something playful
and enjoyable to you that has nothing to do with your investigation. Sleep on things. Rest and play are fertiliser for creative thinking.
Five tips for observing with an innovator’s mindset
