THE LIFE OUTSIDE THE BOX: Discovering the other possibilities in life through creativity and innovation

Among the gadgets in the kitchen the knife appears as the most simple tool. It is not as flashy as the electronic machines that make kitchen tasks so much lighter. Yet it is unimaginable to have a kitchen without this unassuming knife. Actually, scientists consider this humble tool as the first machine of the mechanical evolution. Thanks to the creative capacity of our ancestors. They saw the sharp edges of an angular stone as a means to easily tear apart their raw food. Through innovations, the knife was transformed from a stone in a dirt  to that useful gadget in modern-day kitchens.

This process of thinking that generates or recognises ideas and alternatives to problem solving that are workable or functional is called creativity. Man’s capacity to be creative and innovative has made major contributions to humanity through the fields of science and the arts. Yet studies have proven that it also plays a very important role in everyday life. Experts in the field consider creativity as necessary in solving everyday problems and in adapting to changes. In fact, they consider it also as an indicator of mental health.

Without creativity there is no innovation. Creativity is what drives a person to consider things from different perspectives and to work out of the box. It enables him to seek different ways of solving complex problems and to conceptualise strategies. It gives him the capacity to produce unique ideas. Innovation, on the other hand, is creativity at work. That is, it implements what creativity conceives.

How does creativity and innovation arise? Case studies have come up with different theories to address this question. But the current views support the comprehensive  framework conceptualised by Teresa Amabile, doctor in Psychology and Head of the Entrepreneurial Management Unit at the Harvard Business School. It suggests that creativity arises from the  integration of three factors:

• KNOWLEDGE: All the relevant understanding an individual brings to bear on a creative effort.
• CREATIVE THINKING: Relates to how people approach problems and depends on personalityand thinking/working style.
• MOTIVATION: Motivation is generally accepted as key to creative production, and the most important motivators are intrinsic passion and interest in the work itself.

Many theories point to innovation and creativity as competencies of emotional intelligence (EI). This is so because EI enables one to transform emotions into motivators of creative activity. And during the creative process, innovation and creativity are at work with other EI competencies.

People lacking in this competence:

• Find it difficult to deal with change and become anxious when there is a need to shift priorities.
• Often complain and has negative attitudes towards new situations.
• Are narrow-minded and are intractable from how they view things.
• Are not up to taking on new challenges.
• Can’t change track when confronted with changing circumstances.

People with this competence:

• Seek out fresh ideas from a wide variety of sources.
• Are open to new and original solutions to problems.
• Ask lots of questions to acquire new ideas; they love exchanging ideas  such that they encourage others to brainstorm & think out loud.
• Question accepted practices, patterns and assumptions.
• Are naturally curious and take risks in their thinking. They seek new ways of doing things as they take views from other perspectives.
• Are resilient and adaptable; view failures as learning opportunities and not as burdens to be carried.

Man has the natural capacity to be creative but it is not uniformly allotted. Some have more of this capacity than others. But just like an athlete who works on his muscles to increase his strength or an artist who practices to enhance his talent, creativity can be increased and developed with appropriate training and focus done in an environment that encourages innovation. The amount of training and its diversity are important factors as studies revealed that they are directly proportional to the creativity output.

The following are tested ways to get a person on track.

• Maximising the use of all senses and avoiding self-censorship in brainstorming.
• Generating varieties of ideas, options and possibilities (asking “what if” questions) when approaching a challenge.
• Taking time off (creativity can be drowned by too many demands).
• Clearing space and finding new ways  to de-clutter.
• Cultivating an attitude of curiosity in all things.
• Trying out or exploring things that spark the interest.
• Exploring one’s polarity – that is, exploring the opposite of what one is.
• Allowing self to be surprised by something new every day.

According to an IBM survey, the number one attribute CEOs look for in their incoming workforce is not discipline, integrity, or intelligence. It’s creativity.  It does not only give man the capacity to adapt to a fast-changing and technology-driven environment but it also gives him the opportunity to be on the cutting edge of innovation to make a difference in his life and in this world.

Have you been living in a box? Are you running out of ideas in facing your problems? Need fresh ideas in sorting your life out? Contact us today.