Creativity At Work

In today’s article I would like to discuss and touch lightly on the importance of Creativity in workplaces and Business organisation in general.

What is the definition of Creativity?

Web. Creativity refers to the phenomenon whereby something new is created which has some kind of value. What counts as “new” may be in reference to the individual creator, or to the society or domain within which the novelty occurs. What counts as valuable is similarly defines in a variety of ways.

Creativity is the act of turning new and imaginative ideas into Reality


People with Creative Abilities

Some individuals are more naturally creative than others. They have the ability to improvise and create.
They are clever people but not extraordinary clever!

Dr. Davis (professor of educational psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison) says that people with Creative abilities have to be able to visualise and imagine.
He continues to say that analogical thinking is central to creativity. The Creative person makes connections between one situation and another, between the problem at hand and similar situations. Dr. Davis also presses that another important ability is to think logically while evaluating facts and implementing decisions.

From my prospective I regard creative people as daring, confident and have the “I don’t care what others think” attitude factor. They see things and find solution that normal people might not be able to comprehend and understand at first. Their ideas are crazy yet logical for open minded people. Creative people’s abilities need nurturing and support from someone with unique leadership skills that can make creative people see through their daring ideas into light!

Businesses and Creativity

A study shows that employees working in creative environments are more likely to come up with innovative ideas. They also develop the flexibility to adapt to changes in the market place; the same flexibility can make your business stand better and compete in a constantly changing business world.

Creativity has been slow in finding its place in the business market.

Business Managers and leaders, who are after unique work and not only getting by, realise the importance of backing up and developing Creativity and creation in their workplace environment.

Creativity is not a quality only some people born with. It is a skill that can be learnt, improved and controlled by practicing.

Creativity is divided into two parts: Accidental and Deliberate

Accidental thinking happens without intending a creative thought.
Deliberate thinking needs training to become an ongoing creativity (continuous investigation, questioning, and analyses that develops through education, training and self-awareness).

 Ongoing creativity takes time and deliberate practice to become skilful at; nevertheless it is surprising how fast it becomes an attitude and not a technique.

The following are some of the points you need to practice and take into you consideration to improve your creativity:

 Curiosity: Ask why- What if and I wonder...
 Looking at problems as interesting and Acceptable.
 Confront challenges (Most creative ideas come from people who face crises and challenges.
 Constructive Discontent- use discontent and let it guide into doing something constructive.
 Optimism has to be a feeling of belief confidence in your abilities.
 Persistent Determination is a must. To have the ability to stick with your idea and see it through.

Most creative ideas start as crazy fantasies. One of the important qualities in creative people is not judging. That does not mean that they are not critical but open minded to the unexpected.

What do you need to do as a manager implementing Creativity in your work environment?

 Creativity team managers are the “back bone” of leading a successful creative team. His/her leadership unique qualities are what makes every difference.
 Exceptional awareness of your team work needs, problems and obstacles are your priority.
 Inspiring your team is another important point and quality needs to be always on your mind, especially when your team’s attention begins to drift.

Your responsibilities toward your team are:

 Insuring good communication. Employees need to be aware of all aspects of a problem in order to come up with creative solutions. Make sure that everyone is aware of what the group is trying to achieve, as well as what are the company’s goals and expectations are.
 It is almost wrong to assume that only management- level employees are capable of creative solutions.
 Don’t be critical when employees come up with ideas that are not there yet! Sometimes it takes lots of bad ideas to get a good one. Criticism can have a devastating impact on your employee’s willingness to share their ideas and inspirations with you and the other team in the future, and therefore you could miss an opportunity of a  splendid idea.
 Coaching and supporting your team.
 Make space for some group brain storming without a specific agenda in mind.
 Nurture an environment of freedom of thought and action. (However it is your call when it comes to making the final decision).

It is true that a “Creative Idea” comes and starts in the head of a one person, however the whole team made sure it came to light putting their own thoughts, ideas, time and effort into improving and help create it. What I’m trying to say is: Insure any achieves success the whole team shares!
Having said that, I need to also press that you make sure your “more” active and creative team members are rewarded and complemented later on and away from the others.