If the competencies of a great leader were listed then creativity would be ranked first. Creativity acts as the fuel for innovation. Creativity is defined as the ability to create something new and original as opposed to imitation. Innovation is the key to success for any organisation around the world as most CEOs would assert. However, the power to innovate lies in the hands, the right brains in this case, of the people working for the company.
Afshar, a 25 year old marketing executive says: “I have lots of ideas in my mind but I don’t share them fearing they aren’t good enough or that my peers have better ideas which will outwit mine.”
The fear of failure or rejection hinders creativity as people often shy away even before sharing their ideas. But creativity is enhanced with practice over time, not overnight.
Most people tend to shut their innovative instincts or keep them untended assuming that creativity is only necessary for professionals in the field of arts. This misconception not only restricts career development but also the overall personal development of humans as creativity is essential in any profession.
As important as it seems for employees to be inventive in order to get to the top, several studies have shown that creativity of the workforce has been plummeting over the years as replication of ideas have gained acceptance and popularity along with many other factors.
Although we generally are not aware of the fringes employers provide, if any at all, to stimulate employee creativity, companies like LinkedIn, a popular social networking site for professionals, sets an ideal example of what can/needs to be done from the corporations’ part to address the crisis.
Along with employers, employees too need to acknowledge and act on boosting their ability to generate new ideas at work. Read on to give your humdrum working habits a creative nudge.
Read books
Instead of spending countless hours on social networking sites doing nothing, grab a book and get lost in it. After completing a book, you will feel the difference in your state of mind. A good book can remarkably boost your imagination.
Seek inspiration
An inspiring speech goes a long way in shaking up our routines to try out something new. Even a good piece of art, movie or music can motivate us to see things differently. There is inspiration everywhere which is most often misused through imitation. Instead of copying what inspires you, try to create your own masterpiece. Watching videos of TED Talks online, visiting art galleries and museums are great sources of inspiration.
Surround yourself with positivity
Being around people who do not appreciate you can make you doubt yourself and adopt negativity. Be with a team of people who inspire you in a productive way and whose companionship fosters your creativity. Build an aesthetic environment around you; decorate your workplace and home to express your artistic side, everyone has one.
Play games
Strategic games like chess and monopoly are refreshing exercises for the mind. They help you see things differently and channel your thoughts to diverse objects. These are classic brain boosters.
Be different
Do something different once in a while. Doing what everybody does will make you like them. Take yoga classes, art classes or learn to play the piano. Stepping out of your comfort zone lets you live beyond your limits and think out of the box.
