Most people think that creativity is something that just “happens”. Or worse, that “having ideas” does not require any preparation or prior knowledge.
– How most people think creativity and the creative process work:
“We will follow this linear path from zero to our inevitable creative achievement and eminence, and this is the magic formula that will get us there.”
– How we should look at it:
“We know where we are today, and we have a good idea about the near future, but it is important to recognize that the future becomes uncertain.”
– How good creativity management works:
“We know where we are today and anticipate decision points that will change our path. We are intentionally practicing, learning, and experimenting because these are what will help us improve and have better results in the future.”
Many of us overlook the importance of the creative process or what it really takes to create. We can become potentially more creative if we really make the effort to understand it.
By mastering our own creative process, we will become better at applying our knowledge, skills, and abilities to situations we have never seen before, which is the essence of creativity.
Have you ever considered doing creativity management?
If you’re curious, I explored this topic further in my book “Taking Creativity Seriously: Why Your Ideas Are More About Us Than About You”.