Module Nine: Creativity
I just went for a long walk. I wanted to try out the recent advice of a seasoned leader. She said, “One thing I have learned as a leader is that I need my space.”
As we talked, she explained that creating space allowed her to do more than just “think.” She told me that it allowed her to look at the issue from another perspective. She said that creating space made her more strategic and ultimately more effective in making decisions. She said stepping back to reset was not necessarily natural or easy. However, she realized that being an effective leader at home and at work meant having the discipline to create space.
So, I went for a long walk to try out her concept of creating space. I found that it allowed me to process, think, renew, refocus, and plan. Not bad for one walk.
We all know the importance of slowing down and avoiding burnout. What we fail to see is that creating space is a proactive discipline. It deserves just as high a priority as all the things we allow to clutter our lives.
Don’t listen to me, try it for yourself. Plan an intentional block of time away from everything (including our technology addiction). Use the time to settle your mind, your heart, and your soul. Don’t have any expectations of the time, just be in the moment.
Choose to create space in your life, and you will make a difference.
Larry Little
Eagle Center for Leadership
Creativity is often associated with artistic ability, but in leadership, it has a much broader definition: the ability to generate something original and useful. This skill is critical for innovation, but it also shows up in the everyday moments of leadership. Adapting when plans change, explaining an idea in a way someone can understand, improving a process that no longer fits, and helping others think through a challenge all require creativity.
Creative thinking can also make work more engaging, enjoyable, and fun. In a leadership context, Fun can take the form of interest, curiosity, energy, and the satisfaction of contributing. Employees often enjoy their roles more when they have the opportunity to solve challenges and make improvements.
However, when employees don’t feel safe enough to be creative, they can become burned out and disengaged. As a result, they may stop offering input because they’ve learned their ideas won’t make a difference. Helping the people we lead enjoy what they do by giving them room for original thinking and doing their best work is part of our responsibility as successful leaders.
“The uncreative mind can spot wrong answers, but it takes a very creative mind to spot wrong questions.”
This module explores creativity in leadership through three lessons. Culture of Creativity examines the meaning of creativity and how leaders can develop it in themselves and the people they lead. Psychological Safety focuses on creating an environment where people feel comfortable speaking up and sharing ideas. Innovative Leadership examines how creativity can support organizational innovation and how leaders can bring creative ideas to life. Let’s get started!
