Fostering Individual and Group Creative Thinking in Organization

There is a quote by Casandra Brené Brown Ph.D., LMSW, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin, lecturer, author, and podcast host, that really resonates with me regarding creativity: “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change” (Walters, 2012).

I believe that creativity comes as an answer to roadblocks. Someone who is content or a satisfied company will not be creative because they will not need to be. Creativity comes from a place of vulnerability when we are forced to innovate. This is why leaders need to cultivate certain behaviors to lead: “they must decide with speed over precision, adapt boldly, reliably deliver, and engage for impact. The tactics below can guide you as you coach your leaders in these key behaviors” (Nichols et al., 2020).

Brené is expressing that creativity is not something we are born with - or not. We need to develop a skill and accept that it comes with a specific risk (Devine, 2019). However, since creativity comes from personal experience and observation, individuals and companies must take a chance and reveal themselves. For example, the iPod was born out of Apple’s financial downfall. Facing struggle forced them to be creative to get out of this situation. It brings us back to organizational management and conflict, as creativity is one of the most incredible tools individuals or companies can use when facing negotiation roadblocks or structural problems.

Creativity is also something that managers need to be aware of and build their company to allow creativity to grow. It is not born out of nowhere; it needs to be cultivated: “In reality, a recent Gallup survey of over 16,500 employees revealed that the three core qualities required for the development of creativity at the workplace are all too rare: Expectations to be creative at work, time to be creative, and the flexibility to take risks necessary to be creative” (Robison, 2021).

One thing I personally have resonation with;

? Creativity takes courage

Creativity takes courage - I believe that creativity requires much courage. To be creative, one needs to step out of the traditional zone of established norms. It requires much courage and design thinking to be creative; as said, creativity connects those dots that have not been seen before. After all, if we have to be unique and different, we have to take this step ahead, or one may call it a mission. Individuals need the courage to formulate their own ideas, or there will be no success.

References

Devine, R. (2019, July 30). Exclusive interview with Brené Brown: “failure is part of the ride.”. The CEO Magazine. Retrieved February 28, 2022, from https://www.theceomagazine.com/lifestyle/interview/brene-brown/

Nichols, C., Hayden, S. C., & Trendler, C. (2021, February 1). 4 behaviors that help leaders manage a crisis. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved February 28, 2022, from https://hbr.org/2020/04/4-behaviors-that-help-leaders-manage-a-crisis

Robison, B. W. and J. (2021, November 20). Fostering creativity at work: Do your managers push or Crush Innovation? Gallup.com. Retrieved February 28, 2022, from https://www.gallup.com/workplace/245498/fostering-creativity-work-managers-push-crush-innovation.aspx

Walters, H. (2012, March 2). Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change: Brené Brown at TED2012. TED Blog. Retrieved February 28, 2022, from https://blog.ted.com/vulnerability-is-the-birthplace-of-innovation-creativity-and-change-brene-brown-at-ted2012/