In his book “Out of Our Minds: The Power of Being Creative”, Sir Ken Robinson passionately argued that “Creativity is as important now in education as literacy, and we should treat it with the same status.”
This powerful idea is not just applicable to education, but rings true in the business world as well. Creativity is the catalyst for innovation, problem-solving, and differentiation.
Here are five concepts from Sir Ken’s book, expanded upon with tips to apply in your organisation:
1.
Embrace Diversity of Thought:
Sir Ken championed for a broad curriculum that celebrated different types of intelligence and creativity. In a business context, diverse thoughts and ideas can be a powerhouse for innovation.
TRY:Creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels their ideas are valued, and encourage different perspectives during brainstorming sessions.
2.
Cultivate an Environment of Trust:
Fear of failure or ridicule can be the biggest enemy of creativity. Sir Ken believed in creating spaces where mistakes aren’t feared, but seen as a path to learning.
💡TRY: Fostering an open dialogue, where constructive feedback is welcomed and individuals feel safe to share and take creative risks.
3.
Rediscover Your Creative Confidence:
As children, we are all naturally creative. However, as we grow older, many of us lose this innate ability due to societal conditioning and fear of judgment. Sir Ken urged us to reconnect with this lost confidence.
💡TRY: Encouraging your team to tap into their child-like curiosity and fearlessness when approaching tasks and problem-solving.
4.
Invest in Creative Education:
Learning is a lifelong process. Sir Ken saw education as the key to unlocking one’s creative potential.
💡TRY: Providing training programs or workshops that focus on creative skills development, such as design thinking, brainstorming techniques, or creative problem-solving.
5.
Celebrate Creativity:
Creativity needs to be acknowledged and valued. Sir Ken believed that celebrating creative efforts motivates individuals to continue pushing their creative boundaries.
💡TRY: Regularly acknowledging and rewarding creative efforts and accomplishments, big or small.
Let’s continue to champion the power of creativity in our workplaces, as Sir Ken Robinson did for our education system. Are you ready to cultivate a culture of creativity in your organisation?
If you have any questions on how to empower you and your team to unlock your creative potential, do reach out. As a Creativity Coach’s, we’re here to support and guide you in this transformative journey.
