There has been a lot written in the past 2-3 years about a move from the Information Era to the Era of Creativity.
Businesses will survive by continuing to innovate and develop creative ideas.
In fact, the World Economic forum identified that creativity is or is related to 9 of the top 10 skills that global executives say is essential for 2020 and beyond.
While the shift is happening, companies are slow to feel the momentum of creativity in the organization.
What could be holding us back?
My Perspective – Barriers to Creativity
Over the years, I’ve read, observed, and experienced creativity gone well and absent. These experiences have led me to believe there are three factors holding the creativity of individuals and organizations back.
Perspective
The word “creative” is the start of the challenge.
Many organizations have creative departments. Society often interchanges “creative” with “artist”. This leads to a perception that if you aren’t on the creative team and/or aren’t an artist you aren’t creative. If you believe you aren’t creative, you will shy away from creating.
How can we shift these perceptions?
Time
Creativity takes space.
Time for the mind to rest, explore, and make new connections.
Today’s fast paced life and full work schedules lack the time needed to foster creativity. In fact, the Gallup American Workplace Survey (2017) indicated that 35% of workers feel they are only given time to be creative at work a few times a year!
How might we discover more time in our day to foster creativity?
Company Norms
Many company processes, systems, and jobs were not designed with creativity in mind.
So, even if you are able to get over the perspective and time barriers, the company infrastructure can hold individuals and teams back.
How might we weave creativity into the fabric of our organization?
Your Turn
Understanding your personal barriers and those of your team and organization is the first step to solving the problem. Creativity is inside every individual and the process of creativity can be taught. Going beyond “we need to be more creative” is the first step to becoming a creative organization.
Do you consider yourself to be creative?
Is your organization focused on creativity?
If so, do you feel any of the three barriers?
What ideas do you have to start moving toward a more creative future?