Four Tools…
…… Of The Creative Hero/Heroine
ONE: “Have faith in your own creativity”
Having faith even when others think you are unrealistic. However, there is a point when practicality must be observed. Faith can only be justified if research has been done so that one has clear understanding of his/her options and consequences.
I know of someone who was constantly going to his relatives for money to fund his next big thing. But sadly, none of the next big things ever played out and instead of reviewing the failures, he would turn around to accuse the relatives of not supporting him with enough funds.
TWO: “Suspend negative judgement”
Negative judgement kills creativity, whether it is negative judgement of others or oneself. That doesn’t mean that judgement can be left in the back room because ‘penetrating questions’ (see Tool Four) can only be asked with an analytical mind. However emphasis must be placed on avoiding negative judgement.
THREE: “Practice precise observation”
Be constantly observant because observations can be accumulated to provide linkages and provide inspiration. Even observing mundane things with fresh eyes can bring about a creative outburst.
The creator of 3M PostIts was walking around the office and noticed that all the secretaries had paper nailed to a corkboard. He recalled that they had a sticky product that was not working well on tape so he linked that idea with this situation and Voila! he came up with PostIts.
FOUR: “Ask penetrating questions”
Ask questions that are based on clear analytical thought. Questions that may challenge or bring about a new perspective of the idea, without putting it down and discouraging the presenter.
According to Right Management Consultants, the No. 1 skill companies seek in managers is the ‘ability to motivate and engage others’…. a close second is ability to communicate. The new managerial style for running a company is someone who asks probing questions that force the team to think and find the right answers.
source:
1. Michael Ray and Rochelle Myers, Creativity in Business
2. Geoffrey Colvin, “Catch a Rising Star”, Fortune vol. 153 no. 2 February 6 2006, p50
