Want More Business Creativity? Pick Up the Pen

Michel Theriault
Sat, 10 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0000

I spend way too much time in front of the computer, but sometimes when I start planning for an initiative, workshop or presentation, I step away from the computer and switch to a pad of paper and a pen to unleash my creativity. That’s right, a pen instead of a pencil and eraser, which means that mistakes or changes have to be scratched out and redone.

If you think it’s an odd approach, keep in mind that even Steve Jobs planned out his infamous presentations the analog way, on paper or a white board. Only after he had his plan were the slides created.

Part of the reason for going analog is that you have to think things through before you put them down. If you start typing directly into Word or creating slides in PowerPoint, it's too easy to start creating without thinking.

While many people can type faster than they write on paper and feel using a pen will slow them down, that’s actually the point when you are doing the upfront, creative thinking. When using your computer, it’s too easy to start creating before you’ve thought out and planned what you are trying to accomplish.

Using a pad of paper or even a whiteboard, you have to think ahead and plan what you're going to write down or illustrate before you start using the computer to create it. The trick is not to be shy about ripping off and crumpling up what you’ve just done and starting again. You can even keep the old version to compare later with different approaches to the same issue. Unfortunately, you can’t do this with the traditional whiteboard unless you apply a digital approach and take photographs before you erase it.

One of the biggest benefits of using this analog approach is that you can do it anywhere. No need to worry about the sun washing out your laptop or tablet screen, no balancing your laptop on airline tray tables, no need for access to Wi-Fi or power and no worries about your laptop getting sand or water on it.

Here are a few tricks you can use to make the analog approach easier:

Use a Grid as a Guide

Using a pad of paper with a grid on it will help you keep things neater. Don’t be a slave to the grid however; it should simply be a guide.

Use Different Size Note Pads

Use different sized pads depending on where you are and what you;re doing. A standard 8 ½” x 11” size is ideal for keeping in your office or even in your briefcase or satchel. Use a smaller pad for when you’re traveling on an airplane or stuck sitting in a lounge or lobby waiting for a colleague or customer. You can even get waterproof pads of paper to bring with you on your fishing trip or beach vacation, just in case you get a brilliant idea and want to write it down.

Leave Space

If you’re writing out a list of headings or topics that you want to expand on, leave lots of space between them on the paper and don’t bother to number them until you’re completely finished. This lets you add or even subtract headings and items as your thinking evolves -- without running out of space.

Use a Template

If you work on the same kind of issue or topic frequently, start with a template. Create your template in Word then print it to use as an analog tool. Two easy examples are for projects or for presentation.

For projects, create templates for the overall project and then another for steps or stages. For the page with steps, include all the key elements you need to consider in your project for each step, such as resources, timelines, due dates, hurdles, responsibilities, dependencies and more.

For presentations, create a template for each slide that will help you create it electronically in Microsoft PowerPoint, Mac Keynote or other presentation software. Include spaces to write in the point you are trying to make on that slide, the slide style, content to be presented, imagery required and even some speaking notes. Make your templates using tables in your word processing software.

For general use, create a template which splits the page into two columns so you can have your main points or thoughts on the left and then leave space on the right for additional items, perhaps illustrations and even comments that you use later when you develop your analog version into the digital version. For instance, if you’re developing a plan or business case, you can make notes on the right-hand side about the type of image, chart, data or other illustration would support your point.

Multiple Pages

Start off using multiple pages with separate ideas or thoughts on each page. This gives you more space to add new thoughts or to cross off old ones. It also means that if you want to discard something and start again on a new page, you’re only doing that for a small part of what you’re trying to develop. Buy inexpensive pads of paper so you won’t feel bad about crumpling them up. Buy environmentally friendly pads and recycle your discarded pages if you’re concerned about the environmental impact of your analog approach.

Removable Pages

It’s best to use pads of paper or notebooks where you can easily remove pages unless you don’t mind leaving your discarded page in your notebook, which will get cluttered and disorganized very quickly.

A pad with perforated pages works fine for removal, but if you want to be able to re-organize your pages, use a ring binder (available in various sizes) or even the rollabind type system. Similar versions are also available from Staples or Levenger. With a matching paper punch, you can even use your own templates or use templates available online.

With removable pages, you can rearrange your pages when necessary, helping you stay organized. I like removable pages because of the satisfaction I get from crumpling up an old thought and starting over, so letter sized pads of paper with perforations are my favorite for random thoughts and rough planning, with a rollabind-style notebook for more permanent notes and planning.

Don’t Digitize

If you’re tempted to use the analog approach in a digital format by using the new technology that lets you digitize with a pen on special paper, or by using a tablet with an application to do the same thing, you’re defeating the purpose and some of the value of the analog approach.

Remember, this analog approach is simply the first step in your creative process, but it is often the most important.