Methods to fertilize creative thinking

In-house counsel seeking an innovative solution need not wait for the muse, they can goose it. Here are some ways to think beyond the

• Challenge defensiveness and “we tried it”
• Brainstorm and use scenarios (See my post of Dec. 9, 2005.)
• Encourage contrarian views (See my post of Dec. 4, 2005 of diversity and Jan. 6, 2006 on social network diversity.)
• Explore creativity enhancers, such as reversal, what-ifs, metaphors (See my post of Nov. 14, 2005 on metaphors.)
• Expose assumptions and question them
• Appoint Devil’s Advocates
• Bring in views and experiences of outsiders (See my post of April 5, 2005 on the Association of Consultants to Law Departments.)
• Nurture maverick thinkers
• Read and listen widely
• Continue thinking beyond the first or second potential solution

(See also my posts of May 4, 2005 bemoaning the lack of intramural creativity, July 21, 2005 on the low value departments place on law firm creativity, and Oct. 30, 2005 about another survey corroborating this point.)