Innovative creativity is vital to every role and responsibility in a company. It is not merely an asset for the traditionally ‘creative’ professions but a fundamental skill set for all, particularly in an era where automation looms large. The skill of creativity (and make no doubt about it, creativity is a skill and not an innate attribute) in leadership is especially pivotal, shaping the future of your work and supporting your ingenuity against the backdrop of machine efficiency. Here are a few different ingredients that make up a workplace that thrives with innovative creativity:
A creative belief system, which is a concept that creativity is not a fixed trait but a skill that can be developed and improved with the right mindset and support, acts as the foundation for fostering an environment where innovation can flourish. Systems like this instill a mindset that every individual is capable of contributing creatively, which can democratize your innovation process and drive collective organizational success1.
Curiosity and observation go hand in hand in nurturing a creative culture. If your workforce is trained to observe with a curious eye, then it is one that can identify opportunities for innovation in the minutiae of their daily work, leading to transformative ideas and solutions.
Divergent thinking is the engine of workplace creativity. Encouraging your employees to approach problems from multiple angles can unearth a spectrum of solutions, enriching the decision-making process and propelling the organization towards new levels of innovation.
The interplay of in-box and out-of-box thinking ensures that creativity is both grounded and expansive. While ‘out-of-the-box’ encourages exploration beyond conventional boundaries, ‘in-the-box’ thinking leverages existing knowledge to optimize and refine ideas. This dynamic balance is crucial for adaptive and practical innovation2.
As a leader, if you embrace and encourage creativity, you set the stage for a dynamic and resilient organization. Such leadership not only crafts an environment where creative ideas are valued but also where they are systematically encouraged, as shown by initiatives like Google’s “20%” program, which grants developers time to work on projects fueled by personal passion and curiosity.
If you embrace creativity in the workplace it can also be a shield against the stresses of modern work life. Engaging in creative processes has been shown to yield health benefits, such as reduced cortisol levels, enhancing overall well-being and productivity.
Your ability to integrate innovative creativity can be the foundation of a forward-looking workplace. It is vital for solving complex problems, adapting to change, and sustaining competitive advantage in an ever-evolving business landscape. Leaders and teams that recognize and cultivate this resource will find themselves at the forefront of the next wave of workplace transformation.
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FOOTNOTES
1 Harvard Business School Online. The Importance of Creativity in Business. HBS Online
2 Indeed. 8 Ways to Use Creativity in Leadership. Indeed.com
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