Insights on Creativity -

The preference to stay as we are right now is the norm rather than exception. The uncertainty and risk associated with new things and new ideas are the main reason for the avoidance attitude. We need to adapt and change to survive. Remaining status quo is not going to bring you anywhere. Organisations need to accept the truth - innovate or die.

Organisations who wish to survive and grow need to adopt innovation as one of their basic strategies. Innovation demands that the people in the organization learn to THINK differently, so that they are able to bring about new ideas. Managers must recognise that creativity and inovation are not meant to be limited to R&D department. Creativity and Innovation should become the norm in all types of activities. Once we become committed to the reality that innovation is required in all our processes, management policies, marketing, services and products we will be able to convince the employees of the need to THINK more Creatively.

The million dollar question is - How do we make people think creatively? First you must accept the fact that all of us are creative. If that is so, why are the majority of employees reluctant to think more creatively? Generally, the processes and structure in the workplace discourages creativity. The best place to start is to take a comprehensive review of the present practices and processes that are in place and ask whether each of this practices encourages or discourages creativity.

One should be prepared to slaughter sacred cows if you want to move on to become a more creative and innovative organization. Business organizations need to think of new products and services so that they can stand out from their competitors. Thinking and developing new products and services demand that the employees be equipped with creative thinking skills. Innovative business organizations know how to create the right work environment for innovation.

Employees at all levels must be trained on creative problem solving techniques, so that they will be equipped with competencies and skills that will enable them to generate creative ideas, when dealing with problems in the workplace. One needs to create the environment that supports creative thinking first, so that employees can move to a higher level of creating new products and services. To take the innovation and creativity to a higher level, you must remember that creativity is about generating new ideas, while innovation is about introducing feasible business products or service. Gaining an insight on creativity is the best way to develop effective problem solving skills.


Arul John Peter, is a Facilitator with the Centre for Creative Thinking, based in Singapore (www.creativityasia.com). He conducts training workshops on creativity and related soft skills for clients in Asia and Middle East. He holds an MBA and majored in strategic human resource management. He also holds a Bachelor of Science as his basic degree and professional qualification in administrative and people management from the Institute of Administrative Management, United Kingdom. He is a member of the American Creativity Association.