Act Out

Nature versus Nurture

There are two ways of being creative. One can sing and dance. OR one can create an environment in which singers and dancers flourish. Warren G. Bennis

How serious are you about nurturing creativity in your workplace? When was the last time you and your team scheduled a creativity session?

Some people believe that creativity just happens – and it does sometimes, just out of the blue a great idea will pop into our radar and we feel thrilled and wonder how it happened. But generally, I believe, as do many creativity motivators like Julia Cameron, that creativity needs to be nurtured and nourished. That our creative personas are like children and they need to be coaxed out to play. Here are some ways to foster a more creative environment in your workplace.

Firstly, genuinely promote a creative workplace - don’t just pay lip service to the idea. Make sure everyone understands that you value creativity and time spent on it by setting time aside for your team to work together. You can have creativity days where everyone comes to work dressed up with some quirky accessories. Or take your team to another location for a day and change the view. Jeffrey Baumgartner, from JPB in Germany, suggests creating a graffiti wall somewhere central where everyone can jot down ideas.

Secondly, remove the risk of sharing ideas by generating an atmosphere of trust and safety. People are likely to be less inhibited to share their ideas if they feel safe and can be themselves. There are many techniques and activities that specifically build trust and help people open up to sharing and being authentic. And no matter what anyone says, do not criticize or let others criticize. Watch out for the wet blankets. There will always be people who do not like change, don’t let them rain on others’ creative parade.

Thirdly, remember that creativity does not have to mean a grandiose, far out idea. Often we are waiting for someone to think of something outrageous and complex. But the most useful may be the simplest and most obvious. As Edward de Bono always says don’t dismiss it because it sounds too simple.

Lastly, recognise that everyone is creative. People will say ‘I don’t have a creative bone in my body’ or they may say ‘I’m not good enough to be creative’. This is not true. Every single one of us has the potential for great creative expression and ideas. In fact, your staff and colleagues have all got ideas right now that they are sharing with their friends at the weekend or their husbands while they cook dinner or even their hairdresser!

Yes, creativity can just happen, so can an unexpected meeting with a wonderful friend. But if you send out an invitation and name a time and place the chances are much better!!

Filed under: Programs & Workshops by Erika