Want your team to come up with better ideas? Try this

Have you ever watched someone try to come up with a creative idea: Post‑it notes, coffee, laptop, a determined glint in their eye and a solemn expression on their face? If the idea isn’t coming, add a few sighs, some squirming, and the magical rearrangement of every object on the desk. Most workplaces still reward this “try harder” ritual. This is rarely where creative energy actually emerges.

We all know the stories. The best ideas come in the shower, on a walk, doing dishes, or even during everyone’s beloved folding of laundry.