Creativity Management ? Measurement, Benchmarking, and Improvement

Contrary to common perception, creativity can be made tangible, measurable and useable. In terms of measurement, benchmarking and improvement, the first step is to decide on definitions, the second is to decide on methods of measurement and finally, to monitor each measurement for improvement.

Definitions of creativity are not elusive. In fact, the number of definitions helps the analyst better define creativity and refine its management:

a) Coming up with original ideas.

Misleading. It can be compellingly argued that all new ideas are actually evolutions of previous ideas. Implies a break from the past.

b) Recombination.

The recombination of existing elements to form something new. Thus creativity is not something completely new but relatively new. Offers a practical method. For example, Synectics ? the practice of taking two elements and consciously creating new links and elements from them.

c) Novel and useful solutions.

Does not imply a complete break with the past and introduces the concept of applicability. Can be extrapolated to arrive at creative and critical thinking. Where creative thinking is used generate a large idea pool and critical thinking is used to reduce that pool to feasible ideas. Implies that creativity can be measured according to degrees of novelty. Someone who expands on Einstein's Theory of Relativity is not as creative as Einstein was as the ideas are not as novel.

d) Expressing unusual thought. Experiencing the world in novel ways. Effect significant changes in culture (Csikszentmihalyim, 1996).

Implies creativity has practical, expressive and cognitive elements. Closer to the common perception of "artist."

e) Producing a number of ideas, a number of diverse ideas and a number of rare ideas. The most thoroughly "scientific" definition and practical on a quantitative level.

f) Creativity as problem identification and idea generation and innovation as idea selection, development and commercialisation. Provides a good distinction between creativity and innovation. Implies a number of differing competencies are involved and also implies the universality of creativity ? we are creative on some level as we all solve problems.

Other definitions, measurement and benchmarking techniques 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. You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site.

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 MBA, 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

---

Tap the Creative Inside You

Imagination is the source of creativity. It's a place where... Read More

Creative Thinking versus Critical Thinking

The process of creative thinking is often, mistakenly, intertwined with... Read More

The Healing Powers of Journaling

For the past several years, I have found joy working... Read More

Our Limitless Quantum Reality

Modern science tells us that on a sub-atomic level --... Read More

9 Ways to Live Creatively

Creativity ? according to Webster's it means having the ability... Read More

Lucid Dreaming: Discover a Whole New World

Did you know that all of your most cherished dreams... Read More

Dancing On Your Brain: The Cha-Cha Effect

My grandmother used to say that the secret to living... Read More

Shyness - Another View

We are all born shy, aren't we? When we see... Read More

Connect with Your Muse

Lately I've been discussing how to thrive as a creative... Read More

Charge Your Imagination (1)

"The challenges are not in the marketplace. They are in... Read More

Top Ten Brainstorming Techniques for Business Success

We experience creativity every time a fresh idea pops into... Read More

SoulCollage - Combining Collage Fun with Spiritual Practice

SoulCollage? is a unique blend of spiritual practice and the... Read More

Achieving Limitless Creativity

There are many out there who wish to help individuals... Read More

New Inventions - From Absurd to Wacky!

New inventions? Heard of a revolving restaurant combination television tower?... Read More

Being Creative is Essential for Online Success

Do you have a strategy that ensures your online business... Read More

Breathing Out Stage Fright

You're stepping onto the stage, amidst opening night flurry and... Read More

Creativity and Innovation Management : Why Products Fail!

There is no sure fire route to commercial success but... Read More

Turning Obstacles Into Blessings

"Your capacity to be creatively alive in virtually all life... Read More

Get Creativity?

Creativity is central to the management of our individual lives,... Read More

Sharing Our Creative Work with Others

In my "Roadblocks to Creativity" e-course, I ask the question:"What's... Read More

How To Entertain A Thought

After studying scores of great thinkers like Leonardo Da Vinci,... Read More

Break An Egg For Creativity

In 1420, the dignitaries of Florence held a competition.They offered... Read More

Creating Reality ? Discovering the Magician Within

We all create our own reality each and every day,... Read More

Creativity Management ? Synergy of Craft and Art

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Creativity Management ? Don?t Write, Rewrite

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Creating and Living Your Ideal Legacy

A legacy is more than a gift that lives on... Read More

20 Ways to Keep Your Writing Inspiration and Creativity High

When stressed or blocked it is wise to make a... Read More

Theres A Light At The End Of Your Tunnel, Called Imagination!

Imagine this. You've got this huge dream you just turned... Read More

Think & Grow Rich

All wealth is a product of mind. Some economists will... Read More

Becoming Radiant: Boost Your Teams Creativity with Mind Mapping

I don't take notes anymore. Instead, I create one wildly... Read More

Magic In Your Spice Rack

Variety is the spice of life, but spices, historically are... Read More

Who Wants To Be A Creative Genius?

Can You Learn Creativity?Have you ever watched Robin Williams do... Read More

The Power Of Your Intuition

We all have enormous reserves of mental capacity that we... Read More