You’re leading a remote team and struggling to foster creativity. What tools can help?

Tools such as this work well because you can take into account different styles and preferences (those who like to think on their own first, those who want to build on another’s initial thoughts), as well as allow for creativity as desired.

To boost creativity in your remote team, leverage collaborative tools like Miro or MURAL for virtual brainstorming sessions. Use Slack or Microsoft Teams for real-time communication, fostering spontaneous idea exchange. Implement project management tools such as Trello or Asana to streamline workflows and encourage transparent collaboration. Foster a creative culture by utilizing platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams for regular virtual meetings, ensuring open communication. Additionally, consider incorporating creativity-focused apps like Menti or Ideaflip for interactive idea generation and team engagement. Empower your team with these tools to enhance collaboration and creativity in a remote work environment.

Miro est l’outil que j’utilise pour favoriser la créativité à distance. De nombreux templates sont intégrés dans cette plate-forme et on peut également importer ses propres visuels. Une technique qui remporte toujours un franc succès est le Brainwriting : c’est un brainstorming à l’écrit dans lequel tout le monde contribue en même temps sur les sujets de tout le monde, en suivant un process bien défini. Les résultats sont assez étonnants.

J’utilise souvent la méthode « Boule de neige » ou « 1-2-4 all ». Cette technique permet de laisser un premier temps à chaque personne pour générer ses propres idées avant de les partager en pairs, par 4 puis en plénière. La première phase peut être réalisée en asynchrone. Sur Miro, on peut également laisser accès à un tableau blanc avec des posts-its ou une trame de mindmapping et inviter les personnes à venir contribuer. Anonymement ou pas.

A highly effective way to engage participants during remote sessions, for me, is utilizing various interactive presentation formats. I personally prepare them using the Mentimeter tool (alternatives are: Kahoot, Sli.do, Quizizz, ahaslides, Typeform). It allows me to pose questions to participants (either openly or anonymously), conduct quizzes, and assess knowledge. This helps keep the group engaged in micro-activities and also allows real-time influence over our discussion topics.

Everyone has something brilliant to contribute. Engagement begins with an invitation. Recognize and share with the group - "I know there are a lot of talented people in this meeting, and I'd love to have you share your experiences." Create space to have people share and celebrate past wins. Share creative ideas from local businesses, schools, competitors, advertisements, songs, art, household items, or words from a child...There are so many ways to find inspiration and creativity. Where did they think of their most creative idea? On a bike ride? In the community? On a bus? In a meeting? Trying to get a task done? Tap into their personal experiences and stories. It will draw them more deeply into the activity and warm the room.

Equip participants with a shared set of tools for brainstorming, decision-making, and planning (e.g. idea chains, storyboards, flowcharts, force field analysis). Give participants some quiet thinking time to generate ideas. Then, in virtual breakout rooms, provide an opportunity for participants to compare notes and come up with a shared plan that includes ideas and a play for execution.