The Hamburger Model

Why do some teams spark with creativity while others struggle to break free from routine thinking? The answer lies not just in the task or the process—but in the climate.

The Hamburger Model breaks down every meeting into three elements:

➜ The Task – What needs to be done
➜ The Process – How it’s approached
➜ The Climate – The energy, trust, and openness in the room

While all three matter, climate is the linchpin for creativity. When we shift the climate - making it safe, playful, and judgment-free - ideas flow more freely, collaboration strengthens, and innovation happens organically.

This is why simple warm-ups that give everyone a voice are so powerful. In my workshops, I use drawing as an engagement tool. Silence can be a hiding place in verbal discussion, but a blank page offers visible proof of participation. The simple act of making a mark pulls people into the moment.

Not everyone lets go at the same pace. But even in the quiet shifts, change is happening. And when the climate shifts, the quality of ideas and collaboration elevates. Creativity doesn’t ‘switch on’ by force; it emerges when the conditions are right.

How can leaders create a climate where creativity thrives?

➜ Make space for exploration without judgment
➜ Use engaging activities that bring people into the moment
➜ Encourage curiosity over certainty

When people feel free to explore what they don’t know, they uncover ideas greater than they ever imagined.