Here are some golden rules that you might like to use as a checklist to see if a) creativity could flourish if you are looking to embrace it or b) to find out why your best efforts at being creative are failing dismally.

Here are some useful things to consider when dealing with things on a personal level:

Mindsets must change, even if the changes are small
Explore the 'givens', the problem boundaries
Look at the broad picture AND details
Value play
Build up, say 'yes and' not 'yes but'
Learn to live with ambiguity
Don't force creativity on people, nurture what is there
Involve other people
Be receptive, watch and listen
Know what your objectives are
Cycle often, close late - don't just plump for the quickest option
Manage the process, if you don't it will be a playground

... and here are some things to consider for the wider environment:

Whatever you do must be fun!
Manage interpersonal differences, they will come to the fore
Manage status differences, these will appear too
Manage expectations, be realistic but have goals
Inhibition and risk need to minimised, people need to feel comfortable
Minimise group and critical pressure, use the first checklist to help here
Ban distractions, ban laptops and mobile phones for a day if necessary
Logistics, pay attention to small things such as decor, refreshments etc

Pay attention to the above and you have a good chance of succeeding, but success is not guaranteed. Now all you need to know is WHAT to do!

Derek Cheshire is an expert, speaker, consultant and facilitator in the areas of Business Creativity, Innovation and Idea Generation. He is creator of the Innovation Toolkit, and co creator of workshops such as Creating The Difference, Creativity as a Business Tool, Sticky Strategy and The Idea Factory. Derek is also a director of the PRD Partnership, experts in commercialising ideas.

You can receive regular ideas and updates on Business Creativity and Innovation by visiting http://www.creative4business.co.uk and filling out the simple sign up form. See also http://www.prdpartnership.com.