By: Estienne de Beer

Estienne de Beer

Since creativity is at the root of innovation and invention, it would benefit all companies - large or small - to help promote a creative atmosphere in which this talent may flourish. What better way to get a huge return on your investment? Champion those innovators.

According to Webster's Dictionary, the definition of creativity is artistic or intellectual inventiveness. It's marked by the ability to create, to invest with a new form, to produce through imaginative skill, to make or bring into existence something new. When you create something, you are actually bringing it into being, making it from nothing. But how do you make something from nothing? What is the essence of creativity? The little yellow lightbulb in cartoons visualize creativity very well - that sudden “aha!” moment when it all comes together. Some say that it's something mysterious, perhaps impossible to figure out. Some say it must be divine inspiration. Creativity is thinking the impossible, and then doing what no one else has done before, sometimes discovering completely new horizons. If you've taken a new approach to a problem and it works, then you're using your creativity.

Creativity comes in many forms. It can be scientific, artistic or musical, or even writing creatively. The important thing to remember is that creativity includes generating the idea or concept, as well as applying that idea and producing the end result. Creativity is an integral part of taking our careers to the next level and producing stellar results in the marketplace. A two-year in-house creativity course offered at General Electric resulted in a 60% increase in concepts available for patents, according to the Wall Street Journal. In 1999, after investing over two million dollars in research and development, Hewlett Packard generated more than 1,300 applications for patents.

Creating a creative environment

So, how can your company keep its employees happily coming up with great, innovative ideas? Look out for creative people and recognize them for the intelligent innovators that they are. Create an atmosphere that's conducive to creativity. Be tolerant about ideas that don't work out initially. Acknowledge the people in your organization who generate new ideas. It's important to show visible support. Managers and employees should bring about creative changes in the company together, shaping a culture that allows for a feeling of security for those creative ideas, without the fear of criticism or ridicule. The feelings of respect will foster inspiration, and minimize negativity or critical judgments. The perfect atmosphere would be one of encouragement, motivation, good training, and lots of opportunity to be creative.

If your creativity is allowed to blossom, your heart and soul for your career returns as well. This could change the face of the work place. Many companies try to avoid encouraging creativity, feeling it could lead to chaos. They say that it would be illogical and uncontrollable. This needn't be the case, if approached in the proper manner. If you encourage creativity within your company and support the talented and responsible people, it will help you compete, regardless of your industry. According to Fortune Magazine (January 1998), highly motivated employees are up to 127% more productive than those averagely motivated employees in complex jobs. It's simple - if employees feel satisfied and encouraged in their jobs, they will become more motivated and thereby become more productive.

In many organizations, smart employers are beginning to see the advantage of closely-knit teams working together to form creative, problem-solving forces. They've begun using a more open kind of office, omitting walls between the departments. They're making use of more computers and other forms of communication with each other. Department heads are working more closely with the lower levels, so they are aware of what's happening at all times. The chain of command is made simpler, responsibilities are expanded and innovative ideas are welcomed and encouraged. In any job, there are problems to be solved; and where there is problem solving, there will be creative thought.

Find time to chill

Unfortunately workaholics are not conducive to creativity. Sometimes we need to rest and relax in order to become productive again. Problems that seemed beyond your reach while brainstorming might come so much easier when your mind is rested and free of stress. Watch out for the frustration when the answer doesn't present itself after long hours of preparation. This often leads to total despondency. But stay persistent. The answer is out there and you'll find it; just don't give up. It's not that a problem is unsolvable, sometimes people just give up too quickly. Maybe you just need to “sleep on it.” Let your subconscious work on it for the night. Often just going on about your usual business will break the dam and the brilliant ideas just pop into your brain. A long walk or doing something that you really enjoy can make all the difference. Just relax and let those ideas simmer until they're done. Our world is encroaching on our thinking time, all during the day. Your boss and colleagues want to tell you what you should be doing, every minute of the day. Sometimes you need a break from all the mind control to think your own creative thoughts.

William Shakespeare said, “No profit grows where no pleasure is taken, in short, study what thou dost affect.” Simply put, do what you love and you will succeed. You work hardest where your heart lies.

Write it down

Keeping a journal is an excellent way to avoid losing all those marvellous ideas your mind is capable of churning out. Watch out for the notorious “inner critic.” It's the old “if others haven't been able to solve this muddle, what makes you think you can?” critic. Disregard this voice. Allow yourself that spontaneous creativity. Each person has their own way to bring their creativity to the forefront. Remember, developing creative ideas is not enough. You must back it up with action.

Whether it's on the job or at home with your family, the creativity you possess is a vital tool in your life. Don't be so hard on yourself if things don't work the first time. Be observant, tap into your creativity, watch everything, learn, and don't be afraid to ask the dumb questions. You know what they say - the only dumb question is the one you didn't ask. Implement this yourself and see if you can make a change for the better in your own organization. Robert Ringer said, “Nothing happens until something moves.” Put those wonderful ideas into motion. Take action.

[3 Mar 2008 14:13]

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