A Misunderstood Word

What is creativity? And how does it look when we express it in our work and in our lives?

Corporate warriors have little or no idea of their own acts of creativity.  This is not an indictment, merely an observation.  Ask yourself, where do I create here at my workplace?

Ummm, I'm an accountant.  Or, ah, I file insurance claims.  Or, I manage a process. 

Okay, and, where do you create in your workplace?

The confusion is completely normal.  The word 'creativity' is like the word 'respect.'  We all know what it means, but when asked to define it, to describe it to someone else, we stumble about looking for the right words.  The description usually comes out in terms of something outside of us, something other, a thing we do, like "going for a run."

Be creative, we are implored!

Hmmmm?  What does that mean?  Perhaps the problem here is that the word "creative" and 'workplace' seem disconnected.  Not so in the art world.  A painter paints a painting.  She has created something that wasn't previously there.  An actor acts out a role.  He has created a persona separate and distinct from what exists today.  A project manager creates....a project to be managed? A manager creates.....management?  Here's my favorite:  an executive creates.....executions?  (hehe)

How about just for today, we ignore our titles, our labels for each other, and we find one way, just one, to create something for someone else?

• an easier commute
• a solution to a problem
• a quick response
• a sense of community
• a reply to a question
• a safe environment
• a nourishing snack
• a sustainable environment

Think about it.  When you wake up tomorrow, put your feet on the floor, smell the coffee brewing, picture in your head something you can create that serves someone else.

What if we all did that tomorrow?