Creating a creative environment for brainstorming

What is a creative environment?
A creative environment is one where people feel comfortable in expressing their ideas and where constructive support is given in the development and analysis of those ideas.

You are in a creative environment when
- Your ideas are listened to and investigated before being judged.
- You feel appreciated when you suggest new ideas.
- You can suggest solutions to other groups without feeling like you are intruding.
- Your manager spends time with you and explains the reasons and politics behind projects.
- You are given the freedom to do your work in your own way.
- You are not observed or judged all the time.
- You do not have to pass all of your messages through your manager.
- Experimental methods are encouraged.
- You feel comfortable talking with anyone in your organization (top managers included).
- You feel comfortable talking to your subordinates without having to order them about.
- There is someone that will listen to your ideas.
- The generation of good ideas is rewarded, verbally or otherwise.
- You are treated with respect and as someone who can contribute to the organization.
- You are appreciated for what you do.
- You are appreciated for who you are.

How do you start creating this environment?
Of course, you say, this sounds great, but how can I create such an environment? The answer is simple (and nothing new!): do to others what you would like done to yourself. You will find that if you give creative space to other people, they will give you space to be creative back.

- You need to stop criticizing or prejudging other people's ideas and should actually encourage people to share them with you.
- It's your job to help people turn their unformed ideas into reality by giving encouragement and suggestions and by asking helpful questions.
- You must never steal their ideas or pretend they are your own or people will stop sharing their ideas with you.
- You must be bold and ask people for their ideas even if you appear slightly foolish for asking and even if you have a valid suggestion yourself. If you do not use their ideas, explain why not but remember to thank them anyway.
- Seeking opinions builds respect and confidence. It also builds a creative environment.
- "Seek first to understand, then to be understood."