How to find inspiration for your toughest challenges

Got a difficult problem to solve? Need a breakthrough idea but can't get unstuck? We find that our most creative thinking about communication is unleashed by leaving the confines of our desk and finding inspiration from unconventional sources. Here's what we mean:

Snack on a cookbook

What does a cookbook have to do with communication? A good one—like Mario Batali's Molto Gusto—has all the ingredients of effective communication: Strong organization (by category, as well as indexed). Compelling visuals, so you're eager to start cooking. And, most of all, clear recipes with easy-to-follow instructions. No matter what you're communicating, your audience is hungry for simple steps they can follow to get things done. Molto bene! — Alison Davis

Think globally

After helping a client through an extensive reorganization, we're now working with colleagues and support functions in Europe, Asia, Latin America and the U.S. Despite language, culture and time zone differences, the new teams are working together productively. I'm amazed at the collaboration, energy and great ideas I get from working with global teams—and the inspiration it provides me each day. — Matt Davis

Love the iPad

When Apple launched the iPhone, I said "I've fallen in love with Apple all over again." Enter the iPad. It's time to propose. It's not the sleek efficiency of its design that I find inspiring, nor its quick-as-lightning operating system. I'm inspired by the signal it sends: We'll finally lose the mouse and keyboard, and expect to interact with information in new ways. Imagine the potential for an employee on an assembly line or a salesperson on the road. — David Pitre

Get Lost

Since 2004, I have eagerly watched every episode of Lost. Then, in the days after each show, I'd go online, because that's where the real action was. Dozens of blogs and web sites popped up to analyze, theorize, dissect and discuss every minute detail of the show and throngs of fans devoured it all. Lost's ability to motivate so many inspires me to find new ways to connect and engage with my audience. — Kimberly Gavagan

Laugh at The Office
	I'm inspired by the U.S. television show, The Office. The manager, Michael Scott, is an example of a terrible communicator—he does everything wrong! But I'm grateful to Michael: He reinforces the importance of effective communication in the workplace, and he provides excellent comic relief. — Catherine Jordan

Click the "Like" button

In late April, Facebook introduced its "Like" feature, enabling users to post pages from external sites like CNN back to their Facebook profile with one click. In the first week after its launch, 50,000 web sites added the same feature. Its popularity reminds me that social engagement is the new norm. People want and expect a personalized, social and interactive experience—and it's our job to create it for them. — Julie Weissbach

Interact with NPR

I'm inspired by NPR's daily Gig Alerts; a morning drive-time feature that samples a band playing in the New York City area that evening, and directs listeners to the station's web site for a free MP3 download. As a communicator, I like WNYC's approach to actively engaging listeners in real time using multiple channels. I often wonder how a similar interactive model might help companies reach their employees and motivate them to action. — Rich Stanton

Volunteer for World Vision

We recently facilitated a team-building event with Johnson & Johnson scientists to create caregiver packages for AIDS patients in Africa. World Vision, an organization dedicated to helping the world's most vulnerable people, sponsored the event. I was impressed how they filled the packages with supplies so quickly by working together to form assembly lines. I would love to organize another event like this for a client because it fosters effective collaboration and communication, while supporting a noble cause. — Liz Kuhns

Read Nicholas Kristof, The New York Times

Globetrotting The New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof uses an arsenal of communication tools—his column and blog, books, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube—to educate readers, inspire action and solicit ideas. Instead of just using statistics, Kristof shares stories about people like Edna, who founded a much-needed hospital in Somaliland, or Valentino who runs a school for impoverished children. He reminds me to use the power of storytelling to inform, inspire and call employees to action. — Kristin Zebrowski

Explore HOW Magazine
	Relaxing on the beach and flipping through HOW Magazine is a great source of inspiration for me. HOW is a graphic design publication that gives me useful industry information, technology tips and creative solutions for almost any design challenge. I particularly like when the magazine showcases award-winning design work from around the world—it recharges my mind and creativity. — John Kidon