Innovative thinking — Can you be taught? | Roberta B. Ness M.D., M.P.H. | TEDxHouston 2011
Examples of innovative thinking skills
The following characteristics innovators have that enable them to contribute fresh ideas:
Creativity
While artistic talent is frequently linked to creativity, being creative can also refer to a mindset or a different way of viewing the world. Creative people generate ideas using a variety of techniques, such as brainstorming and group input. They also implement methods to put new ideas into practice.
Originality
Innovative thinkers find new ways to express their ideas. They come up with original ideas to share with others, changing the status quo with their creativity. Because they seek out novel approaches, innovators are frequently the first to come up with them.
Problem-solving
People who think creatively naturally come up with solutions to issues. They frequently learn from failure and aren’t afraid to take risks because they look for alternative ways to make something work. They see the challenge as exciting rather than an impossibility. Because they are persistent, innovators might alter a method or come up with an alternative solution halfway through a project.
Critical thinking
To analyze a situation and find a solution, innovators combine deductive and inductive reasoning. These thinkers combine information and establish connections to analyze data and draw conclusions in order to innovate. Additionally, critical thinking entails assessing concepts and continuously reflecting. When solving a problem, innovators consider all its components as well as how they interact with one another.
Curiosity
Innovators ask lots of questions about the world around them. They repeatedly ask “Why?” and “How?,” presumably to find out how their idea will turn out. They also question tried-and-true techniques when they believe there is room for improvement.
Collaboration
Innovators get others involved in their plans. They are prepared to give in order to achieve a common objective. They share responsibility for success and failure. Innovative people recognize the potential in others and draw on the expertise of their colleagues to advance an idea.
Communication
Those who innovate can share their ideas effectively. They can communicate and elaborate on their own creative thinking. Others can be inspired and encouraged to innovate by innovative people.
What is innovative thinking?
Innovative thinking is a method of producing ideas and solutions that involves creative thought. It is a challenging task that requires coming up with new ways to approach issues or processes. Innovative thinking yields outcomes that alter or contradict the status quo. This entails seeking new perspectives at work to produce better business practices that benefit both clients and employees.
How to improve innovative thinking skills
Everyone has the potential to be innovative. Here are some suggestions for enhancing your capacity for original thought:
1. Nurture your creativity
Find ways to be creative both at work and in your personal life. Make a list of potential solutions when faced with a challenge. Read advice from other creative thinkers in your industry and in other disciplines that interest you and use your imagination to come up with what-if scenarios.
2. Learn to use failure
Many innovators believe that failure is the best teaching tool. Giving yourself the chance to fail and learning from mistakes can help you think more creatively. Consider failed attempts as a way to test a concept before moving on to the next remedy.
3. Consider every idea
Innovative thinkers let their ideas flow without limits. When you are first thinking, cultivate a mindset that sees potential in every idea. Getting feedback from others can be crucial when forming ideas.
4. Widen your knowledge base
People who innovate understand that inspiration can come from anywhere. Increase your knowledge through professional and personal development. Find opportunities to learn and advance your skills.
5. Recognize innovation
Celebrate innovative thinking in others. Discover their techniques for solving creative problems and how they come up with ideas to help spur your own creativity.
Innovative thinking skills in the workplace
Innovative workers are admired for their active pursuit of ideas that increase productivity and provide customers and clients with fresh options. Their innovative thinking often invigorates the work environment.
Here are some ways to demonstrate innovative thinking at work:
How to highlight innovative thinking skills
On a resume or cover letter, mention highly regarded innovative thinking skills and talk about them in an interview. Below are tips on how to feature these skills:
Innovative thinking skills for a resume
By highlighting abilities like creativity and problem-solving throughout your resume, you can highlight innovative thinking. When describing your prior employment, be sure to include an example of how you implemented a novel concept or assisted in the resolution of a workplace issue. You can also select a resume template that enables you to showcase your creativity in a professional manner.
Innovative thinking skills for a cover letter
You have a great opportunity to show how creative you are in your cover letter. Try to approach their job search from a fresh angle by expressing your interest in the company and outlining how your critical and creative thinking can benefit the position and the company as a whole. Demonstrate your ability to bring a fresh viewpoint to the position.
Innovative thinking skills for an interview
FAQ
What is an example innovative thinking?
- Creativity. While artistic talent is frequently linked to creativity, being creative can also refer to a mindset or a different way of viewing the world.
- Originality. …
- Problem-solving. …
- Critical thinking. …
- Curiosity. …
- Collaboration. …
- Communication. …
- Nurture your creativity.
What makes an innovative thinker?
- Write a six-word story.
- Avoid the letter “e”
- Write by hand.
- Eliminate “I, “me,” “my” and “mine” from your vocabulary.
- Give your project limitations.
- Use a writing prompt.
- Look at things from a new perspective.
- Write down the question you’re trying to answer.
Why is innovative thinking important?
Lazy thinking, visual reading, unconventional thinking, copywriting, artistic creativity, problem-solving, analytical mind, and divergent thinking are some of the best examples of creative thinking abilities. Here are the best creative thinking techniques you can use.
