BY ZELULEKO ZET MOYO
Creativity is one of the leading driving forces in today’s world. The need for creative problem solving has arisen as more and more management and leadership problems require creative insights in order to find suitable solutions. In this complex and hyper creative world only creative mindsets define and control trends. Creativity and innovation go hand in hand .While creativity is the ability to create new and unique trends, the application of those ideas is innovation.
Its importance in business and leadership
Creativity is not just a studio reality; it is not just what we experience when we view the hanged art work in galleries. It is also a business and leadership reality. It is what we see when we look at a ground breaking idea. It is what we see when we look at the hyper loop, it is what we see when we look at the 5G network, it is what we see when we look at the online shopping apps and it is what we see when we look at the 3D printing technology. It is the birth of a unique idea. Tucker Marion said, “Creativity is essential in business, it’s a differentiator”. Creativity is what marks the distinction between you and the next big company or leader in the ecosystem. Creative leaders lead the world and creative CEO’s run the business ecosystem. The business ecosystem today is not only selling products but experience and experience that sells is the one that exhibits top notch creativity.
Let’s look at a few ways that one can employ to develop creativity:
Forget the past achievements
Be proud of your past achievements but never dwell and find comfort in them. Always prompt yourself to think of new ideas. Thrive and push yourself to do new things that you have never done before. Don’t be trapped in a repetitive loop.
Avoid conformity
Headliners don’t shape in; they stand out and create trends. Conformity is the master enemy of creativity. Conformity will hinder your creativity to a much greater extent. Trend makers are like eagles, they don’t fly at the same altitude with the rest of the ecosystem inhabitants rather they fly solo and higher. Such leaders and CEO’s don’t only do great but they define and control the ecosystem.
Set time for creativity
It’s only a few people that ever set time to think. Setting time aside to think or brainstorm allows room for creativity. Because of this we have more managers than leaders. Managers don’t push themselves to think beyond what “is”, to what can become. They are not open for possibilities. Leaders think about how to create trends and managers think about how to manage them. Make it a culture to set aside time to think of your company and leadership far much more than what it is but the possibility of what it can become.
Say yes more than no
Saying no all the time limits your rooms for creativity because you only get to attempt what you are assured of victory mainly because of past experiences. On the other hand saying yes, creates room for creativity. It pushes you beyond your comfort and familiar zone to unfamiliar zones. It exposes you to new experiences.
Build a creative network
Working in isolation can be both difficult and result in serious lapse in judgment. Team work makes the dream work in all aspects. You need a creative team that will force you to think beyond the assumed circumstances and trends. You need creative comrades and constituencies around you.
Creativity is a non-negotiable skill that every leader and CEO in the 4.0 generation has to possess. It is a skill that anyone and everyone can learn.
Zeluleko Zet Moyo is a transformational speaker, leadership developer, and author. Contact him on: +263776089376, Azmoyo@gmail.com
