How do you prove your creativity and innovation to stakeholders?

Creativity and innovation are essential skills for any professional who wants to solve problems, generate new ideas, and improve their performance. But how do you show your stakeholders that you have these skills and that your solutions are valuable and feasible? In this article, you will learn some practical tips to prove your creativity and innovation to your clients, managers, colleagues, and partners.

1 Understand their needs

The first step to prove your creativity and innovation is to understand the needs and expectations of your stakeholders. You need to know what problems they are facing, what goals they have, and what criteria they use to evaluate solutions. You can do this by asking open-ended questions, listening actively, conducting research, and empathizing with their perspectives. By understanding their needs, you will be able to tailor your solutions to their specific context and communicate your value proposition more effectively.

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Paul Eder, PhD

Top, Top Voice on LinkedIn (130 categories) | Strategy Consulting, Artificial Intelligence, & Data Innovation | Author of FIRESTARTERS
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All creativity is not created equal. Creativity within a proper context will be more well received. The three foundational elements of creativity are motivation, domain knowledge, and creativity relevant skills/processes. Accordingly, the more contextual knowledge you gain, the higher your creative potential will rise!

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2 Demonstrate your process

The second step to prove your creativity and innovation is to demonstrate your process. You need to show how you came up with your solutions, what methods and tools you used, and how you tested and refined your ideas. You can do this by documenting your steps, using visual aids, sharing feedback, and explaining your reasoning. By demonstrating your process, you will be able to showcase your skills, justify your decisions, and invite collaboration and feedback.

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Paul Eder, PhD

Top, Top Voice on LinkedIn (130 categories) | Strategy Consulting, Artificial Intelligence, & Data Innovation | Author of FIRESTARTERS
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An important part of creativity is its mystical nature. We revere magicians more when we don't fully understand their tricks. If you make your creativity seem completely algorithmic, people won't respect it as much. So never fully reveal your secret sauce (if you even know what it is).

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3 Highlight your results

The third step to prove your creativity and innovation is to highlight your results. You need to show how your solutions have improved the situation, met the goals, and satisfied the criteria of your stakeholders. You can do this by measuring and reporting your impact, using testimonials and case studies, and comparing your solutions with alternatives. By highlighting your results, you will be able to prove your value, build trust and credibility, and inspire action and change.

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4 Learn from feedback

The fourth step to prove your creativity and innovation is to learn from feedback. You need to be open to constructive criticism, suggestions, and questions from your stakeholders. You can do this by asking for feedback, listening carefully, acknowledging different opinions, and implementing changes. By learning from feedback, you will be able to improve your solutions, address any gaps or issues, and show your willingness to grow and adapt.

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5 Be confident and humble

The fifth step to prove your creativity and innovation is to be confident and humble. You need to express your ideas with clarity, enthusiasm, and conviction, but also acknowledge your limitations, challenges, and uncertainties. You can do this by using positive and assertive language, highlighting your strengths and achievements, and admitting your mistakes and learnings. By being confident and humble, you will be able to balance your self-esteem and self-awareness, and create a positive and respectful impression.

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6 Seek new opportunities

The sixth step to prove your creativity and innovation is to seek new opportunities. You need to look for ways to apply your skills and solutions to different contexts, challenges, and goals. You can do this by exploring new trends, technologies, and markets, identifying new problems and needs, and proposing new ideas and projects. By seeking new opportunities, you will be able to expand your horizons, demonstrate your initiative and curiosity, and create more value and impact.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you prove your creativity and innovation to stakeholders?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Understand their needs

2 Demonstrate your process

3 Highlight your results

4 Learn from feedback

5 Be confident and humble

6 Seek new opportunities

7 Here’s what else to consider

Creativity Skills

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How do you prove your creativity and innovation to stakeholders?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand their needs

2 Demonstrate your process

3 Highlight your results

4 Learn from feedback

5 Be confident and humble

6 Seek new opportunities

7 Here’s what else to consider

Creativity Skills

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