Reflecting on your role in Creative Teams

In the realm of creative teamwork, we often find ourselves in one of two distinct categories: those who embody the characteristics of flies, incessantly drawn to negativity, or those who mirror the industrious nature of bees, tirelessly seeking and spreading positivity. This metaphor offers us an intriguing lens through which to examine the impact of our attitudes and actions on the creative process and the dynamics within our teams. In this reflection, let's explore the qualities of both flies and bees before pondering a simple question: Are you a fly or a bee in your creative journey?

The Fly: A Hindrance to Creative Energy

Flies have a peculiar knack for finding and dwelling on issues, complaints, and pessimism, much like individuals who seem perpetually attracted to negativity. These "fly" personalities thrive on drama, criticism, and the dissemination of discord, casting a shadow over the creative process and hampering the overall productivity of their teams.

Some common traits of "fly" individuals that can obstruct the creative flow include:

1. Complaining: Flies are known for their persistent complaints, and people with a "fly" mindset often focus on problems without offering constructive solutions.
2. Gossiping: Just as flies are drawn to decay, "fly" individuals are attracted to workplace gossip, inadvertently fostering a toxic atmosphere within the team.
3. Conflict Magnet: Flies have a tendency to seek out and exacerbate conflicts, and individuals with a "fly" mindset may unintentionally contribute to tension among team members, hindering creativity and collaboration.

The Bee: A Catalyst for Positive Creative Energy

Conversely, bees exhibit an entirely different set of behaviours. They tirelessly dedicate themselves to their work, diligently seeking the nectar of positivity to enhance their creative endeavours. "Bee" individuals possess a natural ability to discover and share positivity within their teams, resulting in a more enriched creative experience.

Key traits of "bee" personalities that contribute positively to creative teamwork include:

1. Optimism: Bees are inherently optimistic creatures, and "bee" individuals apply this positivity to their creative work, focusing on opportunities and innovative solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
2. Collaboration: Just as bees work harmoniously together, "bee" individuals thrive when they foster an environment of teamwork that nurtures creativity and innovation.
3. Gratitude: Bees understand the value of their contributions, and "bee" individuals practice gratitude, appreciating the collective effort of their teams and acknowledging the sweetness in their creative journey.

As we contemplate the metaphor of flies and bees in the context of creativity, it becomes evident that our attitudes and actions hold significant sway over the quality of our creative work. So, take a moment to reflect: Are you more like a fly, spreading negativity and obstructing creative growth? Or are you a bee, diligently seeking the honey of positivity and enhancing the creative experience for your team?

We all have the potential to transition from being a fly to being a bee within our creative teams. By choosing optimism over pessimism, collaboration over conflict, and gratitude over complaint, we can transform ourselves into "bee" individuals who enrich the creative process and inspire innovation.

Ultimately, the choice is yours: Do you want to be a fly or a bee in your creative journey?