What does it mean to be creative?  Are you known for your out of the box thinking? Can we learn to be more creative as leaders?

Today, creativity is needed more than ever  as we take on workplace and societal challenges., but leaders that come up with innovations may not necessarily describe themselves as creative.  

When I ask team members how creative they are during workshops, people often respond, “ not me…. call me logical” or “I’ve never been a really creative person.” And when we ask further in seems these folks regard  creativity in terms of art, writing, or design, and they quickly acknowledge that there are many, many  people who have more of a creative streak than they do.

I maintain, however, that creativity is not a specific aptitude in the “Arts”.  Rather creativity is sparked by imagination, curiosity and a willingness to let go of the way things have always been done .  These are attributes that anyone can cultivate.  One of my favorite birds is the NUTHATCH, who walks down trees headfirst…upside down.  I am so intrigued with  this friendly bird that visits my feeder as he/she seems to be a metaphor for looking at the world from a different perspective. A perspective that is not based on the norm but perhaps to break the norm.

Creativity also means the ease and comfort in questioning the status quo. -- stepping out of our comfort zone.  And that generally happens when employees feel safe in an environment where there is no bad idea.   A work culture where every individual is respected for their opinion as often the best solutions emerge as a result of building on a potentially “quirky or offbeat idea.”  

An international cohort of researchers from McGill University, Harvard University, and the University of Melbourne have focused on a specific type of creativity called divergent thinking. The study’s authors said, “This is the capacity to generate an array of diverse solutions to an open-ended problem.“ Solving problems using diverse thinking generates more innovative and novel products and services and is certainly a critical path for future generations. 

As part of another study, a group of young adults in Cork, Ireland were asked to describe their feelings about creativity and why it is important in the world. Here are few of the thoughts they shared:

·         Creativity frees the mind .

·         It unblocks old patterns or habits of thinking. It allows for non-linear thinking.

·         Creativity enables empathy and connection to others and to ourselves.

·         It opens doors to our mind. It brings  forward hidden parts of ourselves allowing  recognition of our own uniqueness and identity.

·         It helps draw out what is already there – hidden talents and inner capacities can emerge.

·         It connects us with our passions.

·         It encourages creative participation and nurtures a sense of togetherness.

·         It brings people together and can enhance skills in teamwork and cooperation.

·         Creativity challenges us to think differently.

·         Creativity builds intercultural connections with others unlike ourselves.

·         Creativity nurtures confidence and so people are less easily influenced by others.

·         Creative expression gives all people a voice.

·         It can help capture ideas, thoughts and visions about the world.

·         Creativity is participatory and interactive.

This list gives me hope that in a world where logic and analytics are revered,  more intuitive, circular out of the box thinking will also be honored at the table.   It’s what I love about Benefit Corporations, BCorps and Benefit Companies. These are innovative small and large companies,  social enterprises, entrepreneurs who every day collaborate, partner and create synergy  with others to create healthy communities, promote social justice and address environmental concerns. They commit to the triple bottom line, People, Planet and Profit, and they know this requires CREATIVITY!

So how can we push ourselves to be more imaginative, curious, and excited to raise  “crazy” ideas.  Here are 8 things that work for me:

1.       Read more fiction, poetry, philosophy, books outside of your industry and outside of the business world.

2.       Take a walk in nature and notice the patterns, details of trees, birds, flowers. Mother Nature can teach us many things. Be observant and curious about the natural world.

3.       Keep a journal next to your bed, and write down those random ideas and thoughts  that my fleetingly pass.

4.       Practice mindfulness… quiet the busy mind that worries about the past, future.

5.       Meet and talk with people who aren’t like you and then listen and learn.

6.       Tame that inner critic.  Don’t be afraid of trying something new… baking, painting, creative writing?

7.        Travel when you can, even if to nearby town you have never visited.

8.       And finally, laugh, play, and let go.

Here’s to more imagination and building cultures of creativity!

~benefitcorporationsforgood.com~