Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Creativity Manifesto

By Amanda Clarke
Nonprofit Studies Program, Rhode Island College
Providence, Rhode Island

Creativity is not just an abstract thought; it is a way a thinking that can be harnessed and utilized to generate new ideas. I believe diversity and inclusion are two of the most important factors in producing a creative environment. Below I have set out a set of guidelines to maximize creativity in an organization.
  1. Challenge assumptions. There isn’t just one way to solve a problem. Think beyond the traditional approach to problem solving and consider new possibilities.
  2. Construct an environment of inclusiveness. Everyone is creative in his or her own right and an atmosphere that encourages individuals to share their ideas will foster creativity.
  3. Diversity is vital to creativity. People of different ages, races, religions, socio-economic backgrounds provide a unique set of beliefs, which all add to the creative process.
  4. Employ active listening. During the creative process, individuals must learn to not only share ideas but also be willing to listen and discuss the ideas of others.
  5. Inspire creativity. All people have creative capacities, however, some more than others need help realizing them. Leaders of an organization should encourage and help develop everyone’s creative capacity.
  6. Use creativity and critical thinking in problem solving. By combining logic reasoning and creative thinking, unique and useful solutions are more likely to be discovered.
  7. Be a risk-taker. Creative people must have a willingness to try new ideas and sometimes be wrong.
  8. Solution-first thinking, leave behind negativity and use constructive criticism instead.
  9. Leaders should encourage creative behavior. Strong support for creativity from the leadership of an organization will encourage members to be more creative.
  10. Utilize creative spaces as a way to encourage creativity. Surround yourself with inspiring pieces of art, photos or whatever motivates you to challenge yourself.

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