Creativity
Definition
The ability to brainstorm innovative and viable solutions to current problems
What is it?
Creativity is the ability to generate novel ideas and solutions in order to solve problems or create a competitive advantage.
Why is it important?
Companies need to stay on the cutting edge or they will fade into obscurity. It may take time, but companies that don’t reinvent themselves regularly will be yesterday’s news. Employees who can transcend traditional patterns of thinking in order to identify trends, solutions, or opportunities that others don’t see are invaluable.
Suggestions for Improvement
-
Learn How To Brainstorm
First of all, we need to develop the skills of creative brainstorming. The primary goal of creative brainstorming is quantity – as many ideas as possible. Consequently, we must turn off our instinctive screens and internal critic for this part of the process. We must let our thoughts be unencumbered as we generate as many new ideas or conceivable solutions as possible.
-
Tolerate Ambiguity
Second, we need to be able to endure the initial frustration of not having an immediate answer and push through to another wave of fresh ideas. The process of wading through the swamp of imperfect ideas can be very difficult, but it is essential in order to uncover the buried treasure of innovation.
-
Explore Sources of Inspiration
Finally, when our personal resources are tapped and we’ve stalled out, we need to explore other sources of inspiration that might stir our creative juices. That could be spending a few hours in a book store or library rooting around for clues. It could also mean taking a colleague out to lunch to pick his or her brain about new ways of thinking about the issue at hand. We might even benefit from stimulating the left sides of our brains by going to a play, listening to music, or watching a movie. There are a limitless number of ways to stimulate and unleash our own creativity.
Video
Books to Read
Websites to Visit
Recent Awards
