The power of creative thinking

How many of us quit our high-paying jobs for an opportunity that is more exciting, more creative and stimulating?

A common complaint that many individuals hold against corporate workplaces is that they are ‘routine' and ‘mundane'. How many of us quit our high-paying jobs for an opportunity that is more exciting, more creative and stimulating? For those of you who can't take that bold step towards quitting, the good news is that creative thinking and corporate workspaces are not mutually exclusive at all. In fact, if you are creative, chances are that not only will you be satisfied with your work, but also enjoy a competitive edge.

"Over a period of time, all tasks tend to get monotonous for individuals. An effective way to break the monotony and increase productivity is to encourage creative thinking at the workplace. This always engages the individuals and develops the ability to think beyond the defined boundaries of the process," says Vipul Singh, VP and HR head, ADP India. To foster an environment that encourages independent thinking and innovation, some companies are now launching a platform called iBank – an idea bank, where each associate can share their thoughts about any aspect of the organisation. These ideas are then implemented and the best ones are rewarded.

Being creative does not necessarily involve going out of your way to do things differently. Even the simplest daily tasks can be made creative, as it is more of a mindset shift and the way you approach things uniquely. Ultimately, it leads to both personal and professional growth for an individual. Ramesh Loganathan, VP, products and center head, Progress Software Hyderabad says, "The more creative an individual is, the more valuable he/she is. This will result in career development and growth. Creative talent enables an individual to work smartly therefore, resulting in the best possible outcome."

While many believe that creative talent is inborn, there are several ways of nurturing and developing it amongst oneself. The reason why some people are more creative than the others is that they make an effort to consciously polish this art. Environmental factors also play a critical role in this. "At a basic level, creativity is a fundamental ability one is born with. Experience and training, however, can hone the skill. Also, the right environment and an inspiring management can induce and amplify creative inputs," feels Loganathan.

"It is the outlook and approach encouraged within organisations and social circles that determine the ability of individuals to be creative. Creativity does not always mean going beyond the expectation and radically changing the situation; it is the ability to look at the situation as a whole, use your instincts to act upon the situation and work out solutions. A right mix of analytical thinking, structured approach and looking beyond just the problem at hand can make people think creatively," agrees Singh. "An individual who has the ability to envisage the complete situation, but does not have an analytical and logical approach to the problem, will not be able to succeed in converting the vision into a reality. Individuals who can have the right mix of both worlds will be the ones to have the maximum stretch with this kind of approach," he adds.

What are some of the ways to encourage creativity? "To nurture creative talent, two aspects are very important. You need to have the ability and independence to look beyond just the problem at hand. Every individuals creative outlook should have a positive impact on the desired results. The best way to cultivate creativity is to imagine a world with endless possibilities and not boundaries. In today's world, creative talent is not a rare find. Creativity is created within organisations with the right vision and environments that encourage individuality and abstract thinking," says Singh.

So, if you think you are lacking in terms of the creative quotient, there is no reason to worry. With an open mind and a firm belief, the power of creative thinking will not remain far from your reach.