4. Mix Your Media

Radical ideas can arise from tackling problems in unusual ways. A great way to do this is to apply different types of creativity – don't just talk or write about your plans, explore them through music, painting, photography, sculpture… whatever enables you to express yours...

2. Picture prompts. Images can be a great way to inspire creative thinking. Pick any image, find a connection with your problem – however tenuous – and notice any new possibilities that open up.

3. Objects of interest. How about asking your team members to bring a small object of their choi...

3. Think in Reverse

If you're finding it difficult to think of a new approach, try turning the problem upside-down!

Flip the question and explore the exact opposite of what you want to achieve. This can present you with innovative ways to tackle the real issue.

To come up with a...

1. Challenging your assumptions.

You likely bring a set of assumptions to each and every situation. Many of them may turn out to be true, but challenging your preconceptions can also open up some exciting possibilities.

2. Rephrase the Problem

The way you define or frame your p...

Another way to generate new ideas is to make new and unexpected connections. Some of the best ideas seem to occur almost by chance – you see or hear something unconnected with the situation you're trying to resolve, and a lightbulb goes on in your head!

Try some of the following strategies ...

Finally, you can add extra dynamism to your thinking by taking a step back from your usual standpoint and viewing a problem through "fresh eyes."

You'll often get a surprising new take on an issue by talking to someone with a different perspective, maybe because of their age, life experienc...