Like many of you, my work consists of traveling in planes, trains, and cars, and staying in hotels of different varieties.

Some of the locations are stunning, and the landscapes are postcard perfect.  Other trips involve projects where I may not get to see the outside of the hotel, or client office space.
The research about the future of work presents us with a picture of an increasingly mobile workforce, working as "nodes on a network," and working on different projects, with different people, at an increasing faster pace.

A recent IBM report has been creating quite a buzz, has people thinking about the future of work and what will be important. The report states that "chief executives believe that -- more than rigor, management discipline, integrity or even vision -- successfully navigating an increasing complex world will require creativity."

Most of the work we do now, and into the future, requires us to think creatively, come up with new ideas, and work with new groups of people.

The challenge can often be --- how can we be creative, or stimulate our creativity if we are constantly moving, working, creating, and "on the road?"

I have found that travel can in fact spark creativity, and reflection. I have learned that long plane rides do not need to always be filled with a good book, or my carefully created playlists. TIME TO THINK can be gift.  I have found myself coming up with a new strategy idea for a client, or a new perspective about a personal challenge while thousands of feet in the air.
Social psychologists have discovered that creativity is not only a characteristic of the individual, but may also change depending on the situation and context.

For those of us who are "road warriors, virtual nomads," or have travel as part of our work, this is a reminder that in fact our lives can be great catalysts for the nurturing of creativity.  Many of us change the "situation and context" of our lives numerous times a week. Our mini-journeys although often challenging, can help us flex and develop our creative muscle.
Here are some suggestions for nurturing, finding, or strengthening your creativity while on the road.

A different seat, a change in plans, a different view: I have found that changing my preferred seat on a plane, or going down to hotel restaurant if I usually order room service, can literally change my view --- and maybe the way I see things. We create habits and routines, even on the road - and yet a change in our surroundings, can often spark new ideas. As often as I can, I try to walk around a city or town, and if possible get to a gallery or museum where I can see how others have viewed the world. (The Antoni Gaudi architecture in Barcelona Spain vividly comes to mind. On my first trip to Barcelona, I remember thinking "this is what can be created, if you do not allow things to constrain our thoughts." WOW.)

Creativity Toolkit: Blogs, Twitter, and TED Talks: I am a convert to the wonders of social media. Information, Inspiration, and virtual communities are part of benefits of social media. I have been far away from my "home base," and able to experience the benefits of a twitter friend's blog, blog radio, or webinar. I have been able to "tune in" to TED Talks, and feel like I have a front row seat to world class learning. ALL while "on the road."

YOUR notebook (Thank you Daniel Pink): One of the tips that has been most helpful for many of the students in my classes, has been the suggestion to carry a creativity notebook. Ideas, thoughts, "teachers," can come to us at many different times, in many places. A small creativity notebook allows us time to jot down our thoughts, or insights, and keep moving.

Mindfulness: The practice of mindfulness is one that encourages awareness  and focus. One of the most different experiences of my adult life, has been my participation in a Mindfulness retreat with Thich Nhat Hanh. I learned about the incredible power of deep breathing, meditation and mindfulness. This could be an article in itself...and could be in the future. There are many, many resources on mindfulness. I might suggest the work Thich Nhat Hang, and Jon Kabat Zinn.

"The World House" (Thank you Dr. King): I would not feel complete, if I did not mention the core of what I do for a living ...other people...different people...diverse people can also spark our creativity. Meeting different people, learning about their culture, country and history can bring our own level of learning and awareness to new heights.

Many of us ARE our "product," and out being able to think clearly, and be creative, is what we are expected to do. 

I challenge you to change your seat, take some quiet time, learn from someone else, and celebrate the creativity teachers that is in and around the spaces and places in our lives.

What do you think?


Photo Credit: Capt Piper