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1. Go people watching.
2. Read an interesting book.
3. Watch some videos by creative people on Vimeo.
4. Find some good blogs and subscribe to them.
5. Read the Bible.
6. Have an intelligent conversation.
7. Enjoy some time outdoors.
8. Find leaders and thinkers and follow them on twitter.
9. Play with your kids.
10. Learn something new.
11. Spend time with interesting people.
12. Daydream.
13. Go somewhere you’ve never been before.
14. Take a walk with someone you love.
15. Surf the web.
16. Read some poetry.
17. Attend a concert.

Inspiration is defined as the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, esp. to do something creative. In other words inspiration is the fuel for creativity.

If you feel you lack creativity or creative ideas then all you need is a little inspiration. There is nothing new under the sun. Every idea is inspired from another idea, you have to find your inspiration. So what inspires you? It may be a book, spending time in solitude, music, or people watching. Like begets like, so if you are wanting to write a good book then read a good book or if you are wanting to paint a work of art then go to a local art gallery. Don’t feel like your idea has to be completely original. Your idea just has to be yours. Be inspired and then add your finger print. Learn from those that have come before you and stand on their shoulders. Inspiration fuels creativity, so go get inspired.

Check back in a few days and I’ll share some things that inspire me.

Here are five more tips on effective brainstorming. If you haven’t done so already be sure and check out yesterday’s post to get the first five.

1. Pick a number. Not only do you want to have the right people, but you want to have the right amount of people. To many people and no one can get a word in, to few people and you’re not able to create synergy. There is no magic number, but I find 4-6 people work best. Although you can start with as few as two.
2. Stay positive. Negativity kills creativity. If someone throws out an idea you consider to be “bad” then learn to respond in a positive way. Learn how to navigate around those ideas and keep rolling. Not every idea will be a keeper, but sometimes “bad” ideas inspire “good” ideas.
3. Don’t take it personal. If someone doesn’t like your idea or it doesn’t get used don’t take it personal. It’s okay to stand up for what you believe in, but ultimately the decision should be what is best for the organization. It’s important to keep in mind that the objective for the meeting is about finding the best solution.
4. Quantity of ideas will lead to quality of ideas. Don’t stay quiet because you think your idea isn’t the best. Ideas are a numbers game. The more ideas you get out there in the open the greater your chances one will stick. Don’t forget, sometimes “bad” ideas inspire “good” ones.
5. Assign tasks at the end of the meeting. Before the meeting ends it is important to  put legs to your ideas. Who’s going to make those calls or do the research? Not everyone will leave with an assignment, but someone should. Even if that someone is you.

If you have enjoyed this post be sure and check back soon. I’ll be talking a lot more about creativity, leadership and other related topics.

I enjoy the creative process of collaborating with others to produce ideas and ways of solving problems. Here are five things that I have found helpful when it comes to brainstorming.

1. Research the topic before you begin. Come inspired. Arrive with a full brain and leave with an empty one. If you are facilitating this meeting then give the team a heads up so they can begin to cultivate ideas before the meeting even starts.
2. Have an agenda and stay on point. Make the most of the time you have and try to stay focused. Come prepared knowing what your going to discuss and in what order. Start with the most important items and go from there. Contrary to popular opinion, organization breeds creativity.
3. Have the right people in the room. Invite those most knowledgeable about the topic at hand. Although, you don’t want to just have intelligent people they also need to be able to articulate their ideas.
4. Have a facilitator. You need someone to direct the ship. The point of brainstorming is to provide solutions not just useless ideas. It’s easy to get off course that’s why you need someone holding the map.
5. Assign someone to take notes. You don’t want to forget those amazing ideas. It’s best to use someone that doesn’t have to worry about contributing as much to the meeting and avoid using your stronger players.

Check out five more, but in the meantime I would love to hear your take. What are some things that have worked for you?