Creativity is essential to innovation and innovation, in today’s marketplace, is essential to success. While Artisan can definitely help you find creative talent for your business, there are also ways of helping the people you employ now be more creative, too!
Did you know that 68% of people believe that creativity is something people are born with and cannot be taught? This opinion, however, has been disproven in studies as far back as the 1970s. The difference is whether people developed their creativity early in life or whether they need some nurturing to bring their creativity to its full potential.
Managers can have a huge influence on the creative ideas and output of the people on their team. Some of their direct reports could already be fonts of ideas, coming up with new ways of solving problems every day. Other team members may not feel like they are creative at all. Both groups need a safe environment to talk through all the ideas they have until the good ones rise to the top. If they feel judged during the ideation process, they could become less willing to share.
Make sure you are giving your creative team the time and space to come up with ideas. Be sure to include those team members who need encouragement during brainstorms, too. Ask for their opinions, offer incentives for innovative ideas to everyone – not just the people labeled “creatives” in your organization. Remember, good ideas can come from anyone.
The more people in your company who are using their creative abilities to find new ways of doing business, new products, and new ways of communicating, the more success you will have and the happier your company culture will become.
Wendy Stackhouse, for Artisan Creative