The power of creativity thinking and building communities.

The power of creativity and being part of a creative community for groups and individuals who come together to share their artistic passions and talents, shouldn't be underestimated or undervalued. Creative expression can have a profound effect on our well-being and not only that, it can be a pivotal and empowering moment in child's life which can ensure creativity will be valued in modern business, as a skill set that is needed and sadly lacking in many businesses today. A survey conducted by the Creativity Crisis Report found that 85% of educators believe that creativity is a key skill that needs to be developed in students, and 88% of employers believe that creativity is important to their business success.

As a sponsor of the Walk of Art in Horsforth 2023, this weekend, now in its 9th year, I believe being part of creativity and fostering a creative culture can have a profound effect on our well-being and attitudes to life and provide a sense of belonging. When we engage with others who share our interests and passions, we feel a sense of connection and validation that can be hard to find elsewhere. This sense of belonging is essential for our mental health and allows everyone to express themselves, often in a space and much more diverse and inclusive safe space than is typical in the work place.

Another benefit of creating a creative culture or community is the opportunity for personal growth and development. When we surround ourselves with individuals who are passionate about their craft, we are exposed to new ideas, techniques, and perspectives. This exposure can inspire us to try new things and push ourselves out of our comfort zones. Additionally, receiving feedback and constructive criticism from others can help us improve our own skills and ensure we are always learning.

Perhaps most importantly, creative communities provide a space for self-expression and emotional release. Artistic expression has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, as it allows us to process and communicate complex emotions in a safe and healthy way. By sharing our creations with others, we not only gain valuable feedback and support, but we also feel a sense of pride and accomplishment in our work.

Communities don't have to be 'local' they can be a movement on a global scale. The common denominator is their ability to include everyone, inspire anyone and foster a movement, that has the super power to create real world change for the better, for happier healthier lives.

Do you have a creative community or culture in your workplace? Do you foster creative thoughts and expressions in a safe space? Creativity isn't just arts and crafts, it can be translated the process of thinking creatively which anyone can do in the right space. It simply requires time and resources and you need to ensure that employees have the necessary tools, technologies and resources to support them and develop their skills. Some big barriers to creativity are a lack of time and resources, fear of failure, excessive bureaucracy and a risk-averse culture.

Why is thinking creatively so important to driving real impact for a better business? Well, by promoting a culture that values and nurtures creative thinking, you can unlock the full potential of your employees, drive innovation and success and engage humans on an emotive level. Businesses are made of humans that need to feel inspired, empowered and motivated to be at their best. Moreover, a culture of creative thinking can attract and retain top talent. Creative individuals are often drawn to organisations that value and encourage their innovative ideas and thinking style. By fostering a creative culture, businesses can create an environment that nurtures creativity, encourages collaboration and diversity of thought. Some of the world's global businesses have a creative in the boardroom, not drawing doodles whilst the grown ups talk, no, providing a different perspective and lateral thinking to challenges and empowering others to express themselves and their ideas openly. The power that creativity can provide for SME's, challenger brands, charities, non profits, educational institutions is enormous.

And finally, The World Economic Forum predicts that by?2025,?creativity will become one of the top three most important skills for people, as it is seen as a critical factor in?driving economic growth and competitiveness in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

So whilst I prepare to take my daughter on the Walk of Art this weekend, where do you get your creative thoughts and energy from to tackle the knotty challenges life and work throw at you? And if you need any help with starting to embed a creative culture or thinking into your business or you want to unstick a business challenge, why not try a different way of thinking and call in a creative consultant.