In terms of documentation, I must admit to being a fan of getting people together and writing the ideas down. In a virtual setting, the efficacy of a collaboration tool really comes down to its simplicity and ability to replicate what happens during in-person interaction. While virtual collaboration is great for allowing greater diversity in perspectives than if you were limited by getting people together in person, I’m hard pressed to point to too many other advantages it affords.

Relative to Jeremy’s comment, I firmly believe that everyone is creative. They may simply be creative in areas not typically considered as creative fields. An example, you can tell the people who work in grocery stores or restaurants who love what they do and do it better and more effectively than their co-workers…that’s creativity in my book. A big part of it is people, but great leaders will find ways to bring the creativity out in their people in a more systematic fashion.

It’s the creative businesses (or, more aptly, the company’s with creative leadership) that stand out as successful, innovative ventures. Every company could use more creativity, but “creating creativity” is no easy task!

Too often people just leave creativity to chance. There’s a prevalent belief that creativity is just something you’re either born with or you’re not. The bottom line is, however, taking a pro-active, concerted approach to creating a space where creativity is encouraged is the only way to find the innovations lurking around every corner.