What is creative thinking, and why is it important in the workplace
What is creative thinking, and why is it important in the
workplace? Most people associate creativity with artistic tasks such as writing
a novel, painting a picture, or composing music. While these are all creative
endeavors, not all creative thinkers are artists. Many jobs require creative
thinking, including positions in the worlds of business and science.
Creativity simply means being able to come up with something
new. Therefore, creative thinking is the ability to consider something – a
conflict between employees, a data set, a group project – in a new way.
Employers in all industries want employees who can do this
Be sure to highlight your ability to think creatively in
your job applications. To do this, you first need to recognize your own
creativity.
What is Creative Thinking?
Creative thinking means looking at something in a new way.
It is the very definition of “thinking outside the box.” Often, creativity in
this sense involves what is called lateral thinking, or the ability to perceive
patterns that are not obvious. The fictional detective Sherlock Holmes uses
lateral thinking in one famous story when he realizes that a dog not barking is
an important clue in a murder case.
Creative people have the ability to devise new ways to carry
out tasks, solve problems, and meet challenges. They bring a fresh, and
sometimes unorthodox, perspective to their work. This way of thinking can help
departments and organizations move in more productive directions. For these
reasons, they are extremely valuable to a company.
Some people are naturally more creative than others, but
creative thinking can be strengthened with practice.
You can develop creative thinking by solving riddles, being
aware of (and letting go of) your assumptions, and through play. Play connotes
anything unstructured and relaxing such as daydreaming.
Creative Thinking and the Job Search
Some job descriptions state that creative thinking is
required for the position. However, many employers want creative thinkers even
though they haven't articulated it. In either case, think about how your
creative nature has helped you in the past and how it might be an asset in the
job you're seeking.
One way to highlight your creative thinking is in your
application materials.
For example, perhaps you came up with a creative way to save
your department money, or maybe you developed a new filing system that
increased efficiency.
Also come to your interview prepared with specific examples
of how you're able to demonstrate your creativity, just as you would with any
other skill. This is especially important if the job description lists
creativity or creative thinking as a requirement.
If you're looking for creative opportunities as a means of
personal fulfillment, you can find satisfaction in surprising places. Any job
that allows you to put your own spin on your work will end up being creative.
Top Creative Thinking Skills
Analytical
Before thinking creatively about something, you first have
to be able to understand it. This requires the ability to examine things
carefully to understand what they mean. Whether you are looking at a text, a
set of data, a lesson plan, or an equation, you need to be able to analyze it
first.
Open-Minded
Creativity involves thinking of things no one else has
considered before. You have to set aside any assumptions or biases you may
have, and look at things in a completely new way. By coming to a problem with
an open mind, you allow yourself the chance to think creatively.
Problem Solving
Employers don’t simply want to hire creative people because
they are impressive. They want creative employees who will help them solve
work-related issues. Therefore, when applying for jobs, highlight your ability
not only to think creatively, but to use your creativity to solve an important
issue.
Organization
This might seem counterintuitive: aren’t creative people
known for being somewhat disorganized? Actually, organization is an important
part of creativity. While you might need to get a bit messy when trying out a
new idea, you then need to organize your ideas so that other people will be
able to understand and follow through with your vision. Being able to structure
a plan of action with clear goals and deadlines is vital.
Communication
People will only appreciate your creative idea or solution
if you can communicate it effectively to the people you work with (or your
clients or vendors). Therefore, you need to have strong written and oral
communication skills.
You also need to be able to fully understand a situation
before thinking creatively about it. Therefore, you also need to be a good
listener. By asking the right questions and understanding the problem, you can come
up with a unique solution.
Examples of Creative Thinking
Opportunities for creative thought in the workplace vary
from the obvious artistic position to the highly technical one. Generally,
anything that involves an “aha” moment is considered creative. Here are some
examples of how to display creative thinking in different jobs.
Artistic Creativity
You don't have to be an artist for your work to have an
artistic element. Perhaps you arrange retail displays for maximum impact, or
shape the path of an enticing hiking trail. Other artistically creative tasks
might include designing logos, writing advertising copy, creating the packaging
for a product, or drafting a phone script for a fundraising drive.
Composing a new fundraising script for volunteers
Composing dialogue for a television or radio commercial
Creating an exam to test student knowledge
Creating packaging for a product
Designing a logo
Devising a lesson plan that will engage students
Proposing a new look for a clothing line
Writing compelling copy for a print or online advertisement
Creative Problem-Solving
Creative problem-solving stands out as innovative. A
creative problem solver will find new solutions rather than simply identifying
and implementing the norm. You might brainstorm new ways to cut energy use,
find new ways to cut costs during a budget crisis, or develop a unique
litigation strategy to defend a client. These all entail creative thinking on
your part.
Brainstorming at a staff meeting to set a strategy for the
next year
Brainstorming ways to cut energy use
Coming up with new procedures to improve quality
Devising a more efficient way to process travel
reimbursements
Identifying ways to cut costs during a budget crisis
Increasing staff productivity by devising performance
incentives
Restructuring a filing system to facilitate easier retrieval
of information
Suggesting new ways of communication to alleviate marital
conflict
Suggesting a way to improve customer service
Creativity in STEM
Some people think of science and engineering as the exact
opposite of art and creativity. However, the opposite is true. The field of
STEM (i.e., science, technology, engineering, and math) is highly creative. For
example, designing a more efficient assembly line robot, writing an innovative
new computer program, or developing a testable hypothesis are all highly
creative acts. In fact, the history of science and technology is filled with
projects that did not work, not because of errors in technique or methodology,
but because people remained stuck in assumptions and old habits.
STEM fields need radical creativity in order to flourish and
grow.
Constructing a research model to test a hypothesis
Devising a computer program to automate a billing process
Devising a social media platform for a cell phone
Identifying new ways to increase the number of blood donors
Proposing behavioral changes for a patient who is overweight
Redesigning machinery on an assembly line to enhance
productivity
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