I’ve been pondering ‘creativity’ of late. What does it mean, exactly? If you were to ask me, do I consider myself ‘creative’, I would answer with a wholehearted and honest ‘No’. I don’t consider myself creative. To me, the creative types are those who are good with paint, sewing, pottery, jewellery etc. You know, the arts ‘n’ craftsy types.
And that’s not me!
I am useless with a paintbrush, a pencil or a needle and thread. I just about manage to craft a few things in the kitchen for dinner (as much as I love trying).
However….
Recently, I’ve been doing a bit of research into the whole ‘creativity’ concept as part my teaching work, and my perception of the word is starting to change. A lot.
When it comes to solving problems, generating new ideas or brainstorming strategies and concepts, I am in my element. It’s one of my key strengths and I am happiest here. Hashing it out, getting it clear, bouncing ideas around, generating resolutions and making decisions are all creative strengths.
In fact, this type of creativity is in demand. According to the IBM Global CEO survey in 2010, creativity is the most important leadership trait for the future! Innovation and creativity are what will separate successful organisations from the rest of the pack. And it’s not just limited to one department, creativity is key for all departments, organisation wide. There is a place for creativity at every level, because problem solving, innovation, brainstorming and planning occur at all levels.
So next time I’m asked if I am creative, I’m going to answer ‘Yes”. And know it to be true.
What about you? Where do your creative strengths lie? Is it in arts and crafts? Or perhaps somewhere else? Let me know in the comments below. I want to hear about your particular brand of creativity.
I am an artsy craftsy type but I don’t believe that is the only type of creativity, I am also great at out-of-the-box thinking which I love but doesn’t bode well if you are trying to fit into a specific role at work when they want you to think ‘their’ way.
Creativity comes in many forms though, I have a friend who is a master of words, she ‘paints’ using words another who can look at computer coding and come up with an amazing result, whereas to me it is just mumbo jumbo. I think everyone has a creative skill, it is just a matter of figuring out what it is and how to use it.
That’s exactly it Jo. Thanks for sharing. Creativity is SO much more than its traditional meaning.
Lots of people think that creativity is a special talent, when in fact it’s not. Research points to creativity being a way of operating. This means that everybody can be creative if they get in the rightframe of mind and create the right cirsumstances.
For a funny explanation of this and tips on becoming more creative watch this hilarious talk by John Cleese: https://vimeo.com/18913413.
Cool. Interesting vid – thanks Pernille
Hey Joanna, I’m actually a creative strategist for digital entrepreneurs,I’m so glad to know about the IBM survey 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Oh fab, Maria! Glad you got something from it.