Creativity for Leaders
One of the traits that leaders must have or develop is a mind that is creative. In many of my keynote programs, I discuss creativity and the need to "break out and grow" as you build a "Gourmet Life."
The day-to-day pressures and various situations that you face are ever-changing and appear at a rapid pace. The ability to consider various options, offer unique perspectives or provide your team with fresh ideas is critical to your success. The great news is that you can develop your ability to be creative.
One well-known method is leaving a specific problem alone for a time, rather than working on it immediately. It is sometimes best to let your mind relax and focus on something else and, like magic, a solution to the first problem may appear. This is why many ideas may come to you as you lay in bed or take a shower, or even simply during a walk. Creativity happens not with one brilliant flash, but in a chain reaction of many tiny sparks while executing an idea.
Jackson Pollock is known as a creative abstract artist. He would throw paint onto a canvas as if his designs were spontaneous inspirations. In fact, Pollock spent years learning to control his pours/splatters to achieve the effect he was looking for.
You can expand your ability to develop creativity by brainstorming with individuals outside of your normal environment. One example is J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, who in the 1920s and '30s, battled around religious and literary ideas with the "Inklings," a group of unfashionable Christian professors from Oxford. Their creative stories were actually the result of discussions, debates and planning.
It's all about creating ideas, evaluating them and executing on them. Creative leverage attempts to combine left-brain and right-brain activities. What are the steps?
- Start from scratch. Don't let existing factors color your thinking.
- Make sure there is emotion. This helps stimulate the brain.
- Take risks. Challenge yourself to look at unique ideas that may stimulate other ideas.
In my keynote program, I share the 13 actions a person can take to enhance their creativity. If you need to expand your creativity, you can find books, workshops and coaches to build your power. As a salesperson, sales leader or manager, you can build a better life by adding some spark to your thinking power.
Posted by Ken Thoreson on July 07, 2014