How to Boost your Creativity
at Work When you think of "creativity", you might immediately think of artists, musicians or designers. But the fact is that creativity is a useful tool in all sorts of occupations, from accounting to engineering to teaching. Creativity is the fuel for new products, systems, and better ways of getting work done. According to Dr. Warren Bennis, a respected American scholar, organizational consultant and an expert in the field of leadership studies, "The organizations of the future will increasingly depend on the creativity of their members to survive. And the leaders of those organizations will be those who find ways both to retain their talented and independent-minded staffs and to set them free to do their best, most imaginative work . . . In a truly creative collaboration, work is pleasure, and the only rules and procedures are those that advance the common cause." The value of developing and encouraging creativity in the workplace is clear. But how can you boost your creative contributions? Here are a few techniques you may want to try. Channel your frustrations
constructively In a survey of 149 people, the researchers asked workers questions about their work lives, including some to assess their level of job satisfaction. They also interviewed the workers' supervisors, and asked which workers regularly came up with "creative solutions", "fresh approaches" or "new ideas." So what does this mean for you? If you're unhappy in your job, try spending some time thinking of how things could be improved. What would you change, if you could? Are there systems and processes that could be run more efficiently; or maybe there's a new product or service your business could offer that would boost lagging sales. This type of exercise not only stimulates creativity and helps relieve work-related stress frustration, your brainstorming could potentially produce ideas that will impress your superiors. Inject some variety into
your life For the more adventurous types, try a new sport, go for a run, or participate in another activity that will get your heart and adrenaline pumping. These types of experiences will stimulate your brain in new ways and prompt the release of chemicals that help encourage creativity. Exercise is also a great stress reliever! For an in-the-office way to get your brain and creativity moving: volunteer for a new project, something outside the realm of what you normally do. This will challenge you to think and act in different ways, help you learn new skills, and might even increase your visibility at work. Communicate for better
ideas Even in team environments, it is possible to become so absorbed in our own tasks that we forget to engage with others - and remaining isolated in our own personal environments prevents us from developing new skills and experimenting with alternative ways of thinking and interacting.
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