The title implies that some people are and others not.
This is a myth.
First, creativity can be described as problem identification and the generation of a quantity of ideas, a number of novel ideas and a number of diverse ideas. Innovation can be described as idea selection, development and commercialisation. Therefore creative people and innovative people are separate and distinct. Apple was founded by two people, the guy who came up with the ideas (few people seem to remember or even note his name) and the guy who marketed them (Steve Jobs). Of course there is cross over ? look at it like a Venn diagram.
Second, whilst there are assertions for creativity traits such as a tolerance for ambiguity and an intolerance for conformity, such traits are hard to identify and are not stable or transferable across situations. Further, motivation is more critical than traits ? this is like possessing high intelligence ? one must be motivated to improve and use it.
Third, it has been shown that most people can come up with a quantity of ideas and a quantity of novel and diverse ideas. The exact numbers depends on a variety of factors such as:
a) The degree of frame breaking allowed
b) The degree of experience with the problem
c) Motivation
Fourth, people can learn to quickly increase the number of ideas they produce. This can be accomplished through
a) Training
b) Practice
c) Engagement in a increased number of diverse and novel behaviours and topics.
d) Expression encouragement
e) Prolific production
So why is it some people just seem to be more creative?
In their comfort zone, people who seem more creative tend to:
a) Have a depth of knowledge
b) Do not get so absorbed in their topic to cause blinkered vision
c) Have access to multiple knowledge resources and bring that knowledge into the problem solving exercise.
d) Are in a position to express their ideas.
e) Are in a position to express themselves more freely and this manifests itself in aspects such as behaviour and outward appearance (clothing etc). Higher status individuals have a higher propensity for expression.
In conclusion, creative and innovative types are separate and distinct. Creativity is a cognitive ability, which all are a capable of. Cognitive activity is more likely to be expressed when the individual is of high status or in a fostering environment. Innovative people are more aware of the process of idea selection, development and commercialisation. But of course this can be learned and developed.
These and other topics are covered in depth in the MBA dissertation on Managing Creativity & Innovation, which can be purchased (along with a Creativity and Innovation DIY Audit, Good Idea Generator Software and Power Point Presentation) from http://www.managing-creativity.com
Kal Bishop, MBA
**********************************
You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made and the author's name and site URL are retained.
Kal Bishop is a management consultant based in London, UK. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached on http://www.managing-creativity.com.
SIX "HONEST BUSINESS FRIENDS" - THEY GUIDE ME IN ALL... Read More
Like many, I watched the 134th Belmont Stakes hoping to... Read More
If you are like most business people, voice mail has... Read More
Want to hear a fascinating story? Let's sit in at... Read More
When problem solving, you may recognize that you were working... Read More
Every parent, educator, and manager knows that "Nintendo children"--those born... Read More
Quality Assurance, or QA, is often given short shrift in... Read More
As with any other service, there are good and bad... Read More
While it's probably not true to say that the traditional... Read More
Having an agenda template that works well for you, week... Read More
Have you ever worked with someone who always seemed to... Read More
We draw conclusions about people through observation, their behavior, past... Read More
"It is not the strongest species that survives, nor the... Read More
Whether you are training preschoolers in the classroom or executives... Read More
"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." Ralph Waldo EmersonI'm... Read More
Does being managed by others smack more of "Survivor" than... Read More
Ok, you say, I know I need a budget, but... Read More
I hear many complaints daily about the "unfairness" of politics... Read More
Supervisor-employee relations are a critical part of a work place... Read More
This article relates to the Career Opportunity competency, commonly evaluated... Read More
Much of the literature and advice on implementing business change... Read More
Several years ago, I took over the supervision of a... Read More
Even a well-planned teleconference can go poorly. Some people treat... Read More
Everyone wants to succeed in life. And no one starts... Read More
"Where did it go? It was here yesterday. Wait. Here... Read More
A lone ranger is someone who prefers working in solitude... Read More
As you look around your office, is everyone just like... Read More
Succession Planning provides many valuable assets to your business. Yet... Read More
Do you ever meet with resistance from other people -... Read More
Many HR managers believe that by sending their workers to... Read More
In a competitive world with the need for businesses to... Read More
As a management consultant, I have seen some poorly conceived... Read More
Good hires do not happen by accident or luck. In... Read More
In the Wizard of Oz, it was "Lions and tigers... Read More
This article relates to the Recognition competency, commonly evaluated in... Read More
For example, in a small, two-person company, there is often... Read More
Growing companies must always be ready for the next challenge.... Read More
Every business must strive to provide quality products and services... Read More
After a full week of training, you are still a... Read More
Some time ago we had the privilege of working with... Read More
Conservative and staid organisations generally have a harder time implementing... Read More
A 'dirt-world' retail business I used to manage had a... Read More
I was watching a TV program some months ago about... Read More
The characteristics of job applicants have a strong influence on... Read More
One of the biggest problems we encounter in our consulting... Read More
Escalating gas prices...tensions and turmoil in the Middle East...a struggling... Read More
You probably know this already, but there are generally held... Read More
The retention of highly skilled knowledge workers is one of... Read More
Have you ever asked yourself the question? "Is this a... Read More
I love tennis both as a spectator and... Read More
I hear many complaints daily about the "unfairness" of politics... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
It's very easy for a business owner or manager to... Read More
Yesterday I look at my calendar and saw that my... Read More
What happens when a Project Manager asks one of his... Read More
Driving down the road our eyes frequently scan the vital... Read More
If you want to find success in various ramifications, be... Read More
Becoming a manager for the first time can be an... Read More
The quickest way to cancel out all the thought, work,... Read More
What's everyone's favorite topic around the water cooler? Bad bosses!... Read More
THE MEASUREMENT OF TRAINING: Evaluation is one of the most... Read More
Q: I started my small business about a year ago... Read More
Go into any bookstore and you will find a big... Read More
Okay, so you've figured out what kind of meeting is... Read More
Want to hear a fascinating story? Let's sit in at... Read More
IntroductionThe role of the Human Resource Manager is evolving with... Read More
Business Management |