Sure I like books on the creative process but this list isn't about those types of books - I want the specific tactics people use to generate ideas and these books will give you something to use right away.
1. Thinkertoys by Michael Michalko
Open up the book to any page and you'll immediately get a useful tactic you can use to generate ideas right away.
My favourite technique: SCAMPER2. A Whack on the Side of the Head by Roger von Oech
This book isn't as tactical as Thinkertoys but still gives you tactics you can use to generate ideas. It also shares interesting stories showing the technique in practice.3. A kick in the seat of the pants by Roger von Oech
This book is more like it - it's more tactical in nature but it also presents a framework for how to think about and then execute ideas. It presents four different roles and it's important to understand what role you want to play and where you are in the ideation process.4. Serious Creativity by Edward de Bono
How can a list of creative books not have the father of lateral thinking himself? Serious Creativity talks about the techniques that anyone can use to be a better lateral thinker.5. Six Thinking Hats by Edward de Bono
Not exactly a book about creativity per see but more of a book that may completely disrupt how you run meetings. And since you may be in brainstorming sessions (i.e., meetings), the six thinking hats gives you a nice structure to be even more productive.6. The Art of Creative Thinking by Rod Judkins
Every single chapter has a new tactic and an anecdote showing how the technique is used. Open up the book to a page, learn and employ right away.7. Creativity by John Cleese
There aren't a lot of techniques or strategies in John's book but it's a short read - one in which you can pick up and re-read to get a boost in creativity right away.8. It's not how good you are, it's how good you want to be by Paul Arden
I remember seeing this book in the store, picking it up and then wishing I had bought it (I didn't). I then searched everywhere so I could find and read it - the ideas inside offer a fascinating look into the mind of one of the world's best advertisers.
I also like Whatever you think, think the opposite by the same author.9. Steal like an artist by Austin Kleon
Short with ten big strategies to be creative, this will get your creative juices flowing in no time.10. Go by Chip Kidd
Not about general creativity like the other books, but more about graphic design and how you can learn from one of the best designers.
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