Telecommuting is quickly growing as companies struggle with real estate costs, space needs, attracting & retaining talent, and contributing to the "green" movement. Many employees welcome this flexible work option but wonder how their creativity will be affected without other employees to brainstorm with or bounce ideas off of.
Creativity? What's a telecommuter to do? Find new and interesting ways to be creative and innovative. Being in a location other than the traditional workplace, such as one's home or in the park or even in an airport, can offer a host of creative stimulus. Look around. What do you see? What do you hear? What do you feel? What do you think? Utilize these impressions and thoughts to stimulate new thinking around a goal, challenge of problem you have at hand.
For example, if you're at home, take out Solutionman's KnowBrainer tool, go to a window and think about Card 50, "If the sky is the limit, what might be possible?" This blue sky thinking can yield great results! Or how about Card 56, "What ideas might be borrowed from movies, television, radio, music, books or the Internet?" Your home will most likely allow you better access to movies, television and music than the traditional workplace. Imagine the possibilities.
There are other techniques you can use to leverage others virtually as well. We'll discuss that in another edition, so stay tuned. For more on telecommuting, visit http://managingtelecommuters.com
