Creative thinking is a powerful skill that empowers individuals and organizations to break free from conventional approaches to problem-solving, decision-making, and innovation. Whether you’re brainstorming solutions, launching a new project, or navigating complex challenges, tapping into your creativity can lead to breakthrough ideas and long-term success.

At its core, creative thinking allows you to explore fresh perspectives, experiment with new strategies, and uncover hidden opportunities. It’s not just for artists or designers—anyone can cultivate this skill to enhance both personal and professional growth.

To help you begin this journey, consider these thought-provoking questions:

  • What are some examples of creative thinking that you have used, and how did they help you solve problems or generate new ideas? Reflect on times when you approached a problem in a unique way. Maybe you found an unconventional fix at work, or reimagined a routine process to save time or resources.
  • How can you develop your creative thinking skills further, and what resources or tools can help you do so? Look into workshops, books, and online courses that focus on creativity and innovation. Tools like mind-mapping software, brainstorming exercises, or even a change in environment can help spark new ideas.
  • What are some barriers to creative thinking, and how can you overcome them? Common obstacles include fear of failure, rigid thinking, or a lack of time and space to innovate. Overcoming these challenges often requires a shift in mindset, encouragement from leadership, and a supportive environment that values experimentation.

Unleash your inner innovator.

Ready to take the next step? Assess your current proficiency level using one of our Skill Benchmark assessments, or jump right into learning with the featured resources we’ve handpicked to support your creative journey.

Harness your creativity—and watch as new possibilities unfold.

Critical thinking skill benchmark with image of a scale

ASSESS: Innovation and Creativity Skill Benchmark– check your understanding of Creative Thinking, helping you identify knowledge gaps and areas for growth. Use the results to guide your learning path with recommended courses to support your development.

image of a computer screen- unleash personal and team creativity

WATCH: Unleashing Personal and Team Creativity– Everyone has creative potential—sometimes it just needs the right environment to shine. This course explores the traits of creative individuals, common barriers to creativity, and how to overcome them. You’ll also learn strategies for fostering innovation and building a team culture that supports creative thinking in the workplace.

READ: From Idea to Innovation: A Handbook for Inventors, Decision Makers and Organizations– Throughout From Idea to Innovation author Bernd X. Weis offers a systematic scrutiny of the journey of innovation, from the first inkling of a creative idea to the delivery of an end product that consumers love and want. In this Summary, we discuss the salient points of the book based on our interpretation of its contents.

Content Credit: Carey Musburger, Learning and Organizational Development, Sr. Assistant