As a product manager, creativity is a crucial skill that can help you come up with innovative ideas for products and features, solve problems, and drive success for your company. However, fostering a more creative mindset can be challenging for some people. Here are some tips for how to foster a more creative thinking as a product manager:
Take breaks and get away from your desk: Creativity often thrives when we take breaks and step away from our work. Try to set aside time each day to take a walk, do some stretching, or engage in a creative hobby. This can help your mind relax and open up to new ideas.
Surround yourself with creative people: Surrounding yourself with creative individuals can help stimulate your own creativity. Consider joining a creative group or network, or simply spend time with friends or colleagues who are known for their innovative thinking.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and yoga, can help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions and allow you to approach problems and challenges with a more open mind.
Get outside your comfort zone: Stepping outside of your comfort zone can help you see things from a different perspective and spark new ideas. Consider trying something new or taking on a challenge that pushes you to think creatively.
Embrace failure: It's important to remember that creativity often involves experimentation and risk-taking. Embracing failure and viewing it as an opportunity to learn and grow can help you become more open to trying new ideas and approaches.
Keep a journal: Keeping a journal can be a great way to capture your thoughts and ideas as they come to you. Consider writing down your ideas and reflections each day, and revisit them periodically to see if any new insights or connections emerge.
By following these tips, you can foster a more creative thinking as a product manager and drive innovation for your company. Remember to stay open to new ideas, embrace failure, and keep your mind active and engaged to encourage creative thinking.
What works for me, personally, is "Brainstorming" with colleagues, friends, customers, partners and more. I found that I "think best" when I'm challenged with questions and more problems. By picking a thread from a discussion and branching out from there...I rarely sit with myself and come up with a "aha moment", but that's just me.
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