The Idea Generator is the team’s source of original thinking. When the group is stuck, they suggest an angle nobody else considered. They are energised by new problems and bored by routine.
Signs You Are An Idea Generator
- You get excited at the start of projects.
- You suggest several solutions where others see one.
- You question “the way we have always done it”.
- You prefer working on concepts to working on details.
- Your best ideas often come away from your desk.
Strengths
| Strength | What it brings |
|---|---|
| Originality | New products, solutions and approaches |
| Problem-solving | Breaks deadlocks |
| Vision | Sees what could be |
| Curiosity | Brings in ideas from other fields |
Blind Spots
- Losing interest once the idea is agreed and execution begins.
- Ignoring practical constraints, such as cost or time.
- Sensitivity to criticism of their ideas.
- Working in isolation and not communicating clearly.
Where Idea Generators Shine
- Product design and innovation teams.
- Marketing and advertising.
- Research and development.
- Strategy and transformation projects.
- Problem-solving workshops.
Working With An Idea Generator
- Give them hard, open problems, not routine tasks.
- Critique ideas, not the person, and say what you like first.
- Pair them with planners who can turn ideas into action.
- Allow thinking time; forcing ideas on the spot can backfire.
Best Partners
An Organiser turns their concepts into plans. An Analyst tests ideas before resources are committed. A Facilitator makes sure their ideas are heard.
Developing As An Idea Generator
- Pick your strongest idea and see it through.
- Learn to present ideas with practical next steps.
- Ask for critique early; it improves ideas.
Back to all nine team roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Idea Generators the same as creatives?
Often, but this role applies to any field, from engineering to finance.
Why do Idea Generators lose interest?
The novelty of a problem energises them; routine execution does not.
Can a team have too many Idea Generators?
Yes. Without planners and finishers, ideas pile up unfinished.
Team roles describe tendencies, not limits.