Your Ideation Talent: Creating And Connecting Ideas
“The best way to have a good idea is to have a lot of ideas.” — Linus Pauling
Some people can’t stop at one idea.
They light up when they connect unexpected dots, challenge assumptions, and play with possibility. While others are still trying to define the problem, they’re already spinning out creative angles, fresh takes, and new ways to reimagine what could be.
That’s the spark of the “Ideation” talent theme.
Part of the Strategic Thinking Domain, “Ideation” shows up as a natural ability to generate original ideas and explore patterns that others might overlook. People high in “Ideation” love concepts, thrive in brainstorming mode, and get energized by novelty. They’re not just creative—they’re curious, inventive, and wired for innovation.
“Ideation” isn’t in my Top 10—but I love what it brings to the table.
My best ideas tend to surface in motion—when I’m learning something new (“Learner”), implementing a plan (“Activator”), or responding to real people and real moments (“Adaptability”). I like to move quickly and with clarity. I want things to make sense, and I want to get going.
Which is exactly why I love being around people with “Ideation.”
They stretch my thinking. They invite questions I wouldn’t think to ask. They help me consider angles that make everything more creative, connected, and expansive. While I might see a path, they help reimagine what the road could look like in the first place.
People with high “Ideation” remind me that leadership isn’t just about solving problems efficiently—it’s about staying open to entirely new ways of seeing and solving.
When someone with “Ideation” is in the room, I know we’re about to think differently and better.
Ideation in Action
“Ideation” vs. “Futuristic”: Both bring forward-thinking energy. “Futuristic” sees one vivid, compelling vision of what’s ahead and builds toward it. “Ideation” plays with many possible futures rather than focusing on a single destination.
“Ideation” vs. “Strategic”: Both talents naturally look for options. “Strategic” sorts through options to find the best path forward. “Ideation” generates options and expands what could be considered.
Leverage Your Ideation Talent
Lead with “Ideation”
Generate momentum. When others feel stuck, your ideas create movement. You don’t need a full plan. You just the spark. Your creativity can unlock energy in even the most stagnant situations.
Ask better questions. Your brain is built to challenge assumptions and explore what’s possible. Use that to help teams question the status quo and imagine new ways of doing things.
Fuel innovation. Your natural creativity helps push the boundaries of what’s been done before. Whether you’re leading a project or shaping a team culture, your ideas can be the birthplace of meaningful change.
Work with “Ideation”
Pair with implementers. You bring the spark. Pair with someone who brings structure. Partner with those who love to plan, organize, and execute so your best ideas don’t just stay in the clouds.
Name the theme. Your thoughts can come fast and varied. Capture your ideas before they vanish. Use sticky notes, mind maps, or voice memos to preserve your sparks of insight.
Learn to loop back. Not every idea needs action. Create a system for revisiting your brainstorms so you can refine and prioritize over time.
Live with “Ideation”
Create idea time. You need space to explore. Build in unstructured time. That could be a walk, a journal session, or a whiteboard hour. Give your brain has room to wander and create.
Find your people. Not everyone will love “Ideation” as much as you do. Find collaborators who appreciate your creativity and know how to play in the sandbox of ideas with you.
Watch for overwhelm. With so many ideas, it’s easy to get pulled in too many directions. When that happens, gently ask: Which of these excites me most? Which could make the biggest impact right now?
Coach Someone with “Ideation”
Let them riff. Give them space to brainstorm out loud. “Ideation” often needs verbal air to breathe. Don’t worry about structure right away. Just let the ideas flow.
Mirror back themes. Help them spot patterns in their ideas. What keeps showing up? What feels most alive? You’ll help them clarify and ground their creative process.
Support prioritization. Guide them to sort through their ideas and identify which ones to act on. Ask: What would bring the most value right now? What feels aligned with your purpose or goals?
Discover the Strength of Your “Ideation” Talent
Do you light up when brainstorming? Do your best ideas come while talking, walking, or exploring something new? Do people look to you when they need a creative breakthrough?
You might have “Ideation” in your Top 5.
The CliftonStrengths® assessment can help you uncover whether “Ideation” (or another talent) is one of your greatest assets. Knowing how your brain naturally works is one of the best ways to unlock your full potential—at work, in leadership, and in life.
👉 Discover Your Top 5 Talents
👉 Unlock All 34 of Your Talents
Want support bringing your best ideas to life (or helping others do the same?)
