creativity at work and how to show you have it
Well, you already possess this innate ability to be creative. You can learn to flex your creative muscles no matter how long this ability has been suppressed and with practice you will find that not only does it get easier to be creative but you’re becoming pretty good at it.
Employers are continually seeking for fresh new talent, they want bright sparks with the latest knowledge and technical skills. But they’re also looking for those who ooze creativity and innovation, because that’s how businesses and organizations continue to grow, stay competitive and adapt to challenges posed by stakeholders and service users. Here’s how you can prove you’ve got these skills:
First of all, it’s important to note that there’s a difference between being ‘arty’/artistic and being creative, as creativity isn’t confined to the arts – it also happens in the sciences. Everyone can be creative – the difference is of degree.
What if?
Creativity is about coming up with different solutions to problems, trying things out, exploring, and asking ‘What If’? Andy Barratt, Chair of Ford of Britain explains: “although we may not consider ourselves innovators, we all have the capacity for innovation – whether small innovative steps or really big game changers.”
What does this have to do with Skiing?
Imagine you’re managing a ski shop, and you need to reduce the time it takes for skiers to try out different kits and get out onto the slope. Now, one approach to do this is to sit down for three hours, and think really really hard about the one perfect solution that will save the shop time and money.
Alternatively another approach, is to experiment with several different ideas over the course of three hours, learning from each new tweak, getting direct feedback from skiers, and putting that knowledge back in, to see what happens. Because creativity is partly about quantity. Yep – quantity over quality is the way to go when it comes to finding innovative solutions, and trying out ideas in practice gives you a lot more information, and ‘data’ to work with.
Can you imagine how the second approach might result in not only some great solutions, but also ones you weren’t even expecting?
So, don’t be put off by job descriptions that ask for ‘creativity’, because the great news is – you can practice creativity, you can start asking ‘what if’ in everyday life; look for new ways of doing things in your personal and professional life; experiment with the way you plan essays, revise for exams, style your hair, wear your clothes, the music you listen to, the activities you do in your free time. After all, Albert Einstein said: “Imagination is more important than knowledge”.
Get a new perspective
Here are 10 ideas to get you started on getting a new perspective:
