“How can I be more creative?” is a question that I get frequently.

Here are a few of the tips that I give people:

• Seek out what you don’t know.
• Don’t be afraid to fail.
• Try something new.
• Read.
• Sketch or write down your ideas as they come to you.
• Give yourself space by having some time alone to think or by exercising.

“How can I be a better leader?” is usually the second question.

My response usually includes one or more of the following:

• Talk to your staff, employees, or constituents on a regular basis.
• Don’t be afraid to try something new.
• Trust your people.
• Always be on the lookout for good ideas.
• Resist the urge to place people in categories.
• Give people responsibility.
• Give people the space to create and make a contribution to your cause.
• Understand that not everyone will want to contribute at the same level.

What happens when you add “creative” + “leadership”? Or, how can you become a better creative leader?

Take a look at the answers now.

• Seek out what you don’t know.
• Talk to your staff, employees, or constituents on a regular basis.
• Don’t be afraid to fail.
• Don’t be afraid to try something new.
• Trust your people.
• Read.
• Always be on the lookout for good ideas.
• Sketch or write down your ideas as they come to you.
• Resist the urge to place people in categories.
• Give yourself space by having some time alone to think or by exercising.
• Give people responsibility.
• Give people the space to create and make a contribution to your cause.
• Understand that not everyone will want to contribute at the same level.

Being creative and being a leader are variations on the same theme. The tips for helping you become more creative can also help you to become a better leader.

Here are additional resources on the topic of creative leadership:

• 10 questions to get you thinking about creative leadership
• The art of creative leadership and making something out of nothing
• 4 steps to help you lead change
• Design is leadership and leadership is design