Many managers feel that they need to be so focused on their career development that they, ironically, end up forgoing true personal development. Managers spend a large amount of their time fire fighting, that is, dealing with day to day problems. This means that they often forget to foster their creative skills.

In fact, managers need to nurture creativity so that they can think ‘outside the box’. This means that they are able to look for and recognise opportunities for new products or services. They might be inventing something brand new or improving on a current concept. The important thing is that managers, and indeed entrepreneurs, have a pro-active attitude.

Everybody can benefit from greater creativity. There are a number of ways to tap into it. One suggestion is to take time out every day to meditate. Spend the time somewhere quiet where you will not be interrupted and try to clear your mind of everyday concerns. Picture your mind as a blank canvas on which to paint your creativity. Don’t try to steer your thinking in any way. Allow your subconscious full flow.

There are many training courses which focus on creativity and many methods which will repay time spent investigating them.