Creativity Overview

Recipe for ProgressA creative person is much like a chef who arranges ingredients in order to prepare something that may have been prepared before but meets a current need.

Creativity is not limited to inventors or artists. Any person can show creativity through the constructive activities he or she undertakes.

Discern the Principles

Creativity requires an enlarged perspective so that a person can discover and apply the relevant principles.

When looking at a light bulb, for example, a creative person sees a glass-encased vacuum and a filament that transforms electricity into light. Many people know what a light bulb is and even how it works, but a creative person grasps the principles at work, and this knowledge helps a creative person apply ideas in new ways.

Seek New Ideas

A creative person must also approach a need from as many angles as possible. The way something was done in the past is not necessarily the best way to do it now. Problems often have multiple solutions. A person can often draw on experience or knowledge in other areas, and a person has a better chance of finding the best answer if he or she explores several options.

Whether analyzing tangibles such as light bulbs, or intangibles such as personnel matters, customer needs, or market trends, a creative person must not become bound by the issue at hand.

Keep Trying

Many who lack creativity blame their underachievement on a supposed shortage of resources, time, or opportunities, but creativity is a choice, not a condition. Implementing a new idea requires hard work, resourcefulness, and patience.

See needs, identify the facts, recognize the limitations, try a different perspective, and evaluate the results—then try again.

Whatever your current need or challenge, reap the benefits of applying the principles of creativity.

Five Keys to Building Creativity

1. Hone Your Skills

Creativity prevents your abilities from stagnating and helps you develop new skills. You are never so good that you cannot improve, and you must keep up with developments. Look for books, experts, activities, and training to polish your existing skills, develop your interests, and help you stay on the cutting edge.

2. Collect Ideas

Creative thinking involves the habit of examining ideas. Maintain constant alertness to the discoveries, approaches, and practices around you so that you will have a basis for innovation. Brainstorm with others to gain their perspectives and observe their work. The more extensive your experience and observation, the better the ideas you will have when you need them.

3. Think Outside the Box

Individuals and companies can easily “get in a rut,” particularly if they have achieved some success. Discipline yourself and your team to recognize possibilities and seek better ways to complete tasks, even when there is not a pressing need. Sometimes progress depends on your ability to look beyond the way an issue is usually approached. Learn to examine situations from many angles.

4. Give It a Try

If an idea shows sufficient potential, give it a try. Inventions result when inventors pursue various ideas instead of being satisfied with the way things have always been done. Make the best decision you can make, and do not succumb to the fear of failure. As the saying goes, “to reach your destination, you must sail away from the shore.”

5. Try Again

Once you have tried something new, continue your creative efforts. Gather the available data, and examine what did and did not work. Give yourself an

opportunity to reevaluate the whole body of evidence, adjust your theories, and determine how to adjust your methods.

Creativity Application Discussion QuestionsBreak into small groups. Have each group read one of the five keys above and discuss the corresponding question below. Share answers and personal applications with everyone.

1. What can you do today to improve your existing skills and develop new skills?

2. How have your experiences improved your ability to overcome obstacles?

3. How do you avoid stagnating and missing the next development?4. What motivates you to try new things instead of being incapacitated by

the fear of failure?5. How have you adjusted and continued the process of creativity?

Word Etymology

To create means literally to cause to exist. Thus, though humans cannot create something out of nothing, a creative person brings ideas together and devises new approaches to old problems.

Cre•a•tiv•i•ty n 1: the quality of original thinking 2: bringing about; causing to exist 3: imagination; the ability to visualize.

Creativity In Balance

Proceed With Caution

Cautiousness is “knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions.” A cautious person discerns when to push the limits and when to uphold traditions. While some advocate absolute individualism and disregard conventional wisdom, you must recognize the purpose for a tradition before dismissing it.

Be Dependable

Dependability is “fulfilling what I consented to do, even if it means unexpected sacrifice.” Dependability helps you see a project to completion even after the initial excitement has worn off. As you develop new ideas, do not neglect finishing your projects and fulfilling your responsibilities.

Do Justly

Justice is “taking personal responsibility to uphold what is pure, right, and true.” The ability to do something does not justify doing it. Take responsibility to ensure your creative pursuits reflect integrity and consideration for what is appropriate. Focus your creativity on benefiting those around you, not merely on expressing yourself.

Leadership TipsGreat people make great organizations, and great organizations strive to become better. New technology or personnel can advance an organization’s position, but these factors cannot transform an organization into something it is not.

When corporations achieve certain levels of productivity, personnel can fall into the trap of “good enough.” Greatness looks beyond success, analyzes the processes or policies that have produced the results and discerns which practices should continue, which should be improved, and which should be terminated.

Surround yourself with individuals who desire to benefit the clientele and improve the organization. Build a team that demonstrates humility and diligently works toward goals. Do not settle for good enough.

Good Enough or Room to Grow?Leaders must develop and implement new ideas in order to keep an organization moving forward productively.

When civil war broke out between King Charles I and the English Parliament in 1642, Oliver Cromwell received a commission in the Parliamentary Army. Cromwell implemented strict discipline, and this practice allowed more tactical flexibility. For example, Cromwell's cavalry trotted rather than galloped into battle, allowing the advance time to respond to developing enemy weakness. Cromwell also paid his soldiers and believed in promoting qualified rather than merely titled leaders.

Because of his success, Cromwell quickly rose through the ranks, and his methods reformed the army into a disciplined, professional force.

You too can build credibility and increase productivity as you creatively tackle problems and stick to your goals with conviction.

Employee Tips

Beyond the WallPersonalities, budgets, and deadlines present “walls” that can hinder forward progress. When you encounter obstacles, consider as many options as possible.

Take a step back. Looking too long through a “microscope” can make the situation seem worse than it is.

Understand the goal you want to accomplish. Consult experts in the field to learn how they solve various problems. Identify the factors hindering your productivity. Examine new approaches to efficiency and quality. Work on other projects for a time so that you can come back with a fresh

perspective.

Praising CreativityPraising others for their character requires creativity.

Notice how you express commendation. Consider carrying a notepad so that you can jot down the ideas and key words you use to praise others. Later, review your comments and determine what your words have communicated.

“Thanks for making time to do this.” (Praises availability and flexibility) “If you keep producing like that, we’ll double our income!” (focuses on

profit) “It’s a pleasure to work with someone I know I can count on.” (Praises

dependability and loyalty) “I’m going to nominate you for employee of the month.” (a promise that

may or may not express value for the person) “I’d like to get your input on this before I make a decision.” (Praises

wisdom, discernment, and creativity) “You’re doing a better job than anyone else.” (unfair and potentially

manipulative)Look for creative ways to praise character. Do not worry about using “all the right terms.” Ask yourself, “Why is this person successful, and how can I best express appreciation for the integrity that makes it possible?”

Creativity On The Job

Continued CreativityThe demand for improved systems and technology can motivate innovation, but an innovator’s vision provides direction. Individuals or organizations who neglect these opportunities will lose their ability to meet needs in the future. Approach your job with alertness to needs and a desire to make improvements.

Get Ready

State your goal as simply as possible so that you can think beyond the current paradigm.

Study your field, and acquire the necessary skills. Gain experience in related areas, and pursue other interests.

Observe

Read widely. As you gain knowledge in various fields, you will be more prepared to ask the right questions in a particular area.

Understand the principles at work. Brainstorm with others. Someone else, whether the author of a book or one

of your coworkers, might have a thought or two that could generate new ideas.

Consult experts, and do your own research. Observe others’ successes, and consider what you can apply in your life.

Find a Better Way

Ask yourself how you can improve on what others have already accomplished.

When stumped, get some exercise, listen to or play music, or work on another project for a while.

Try to approach a project from a slightly different angle.

Try Something New

Make the best decision possible. If the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks, try it. Sart small—conduct a small test, or begin a pilot program.

Reevaluate

Do not give up on a good idea because of initial disappointments.

Observe what did not work, and determine how to address the specific issues.

Try again.

Creativity in Relationships

In Other WordsIndividuals want to know they are needed and valued, and each individual has a particular way of gauging others’ appreciation.

Choose

Individuals expect others to perceive and respond as they do, but this is rarely the case. Shopping, for example, drains some and invigorates others. Even two persons who like shopping often like it for different reasons.

It takes creative effort to do or say things for someone else’s enjoyment, but honoring others is a choice, and the benefit to the recipient is what matters.

Communicate

Discern what your family members mean by what they say or do. While you may feel most valued when others express verbal appreciation, your child may feel more validated by a pat on the back or fifteen minutes of your undivided attention. You may enjoy surprise parties and carefully selected gifts, but your spouse might prefer the practical benefit of a clean garage or a well-tended yard.

Often, the way others express appreciation indicates the way they perceive it. Thank others when they do something that expresses particular appreciation to you, and show your appreciation in ways to which others can relate. It will probably feel like hard work at first, but your goal is to make the other person feel valuable.

Practical Applications of Creativity

Discover ways to make household chores fun. Play music while working, or go out for a treat after the work is done.

Start traditions. Learn new games. Find new places to visit on birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.

Know what family members enjoy, and learn to communicate in ways that they will understand.

Learn to make your own unique thank-you cards. Turn homework into learning games, and put memory work to music.

Creativity for Kids

Picture This!Creativity is approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective. A creative person looks at situations from new angles in order to find better solutions. Creativity does not settle for “the way things are.”

A creative person, like a cook, takes existing ingredients and makes something more valuable than the pieces alone.

When you face a challenge at school or home, get creative and try something different. Ask for advice and keep trying until you succeed!

Keep reading to learn more about creativity!

SnowflakesDid you know that no two snowflakes are alike? Some snowflakes form flat flakes, star-like shapes, rod-like shapes, and irregular shapes.

Demonstrate creativity by cutting out your own snowflakes and decorating your room.Follow the directions and create your own design. You can model your snowflake after the dendritic or the branch crystal flakes. Look up the meanings of both snowflakes to understand the significance of each description.

 

Practice It!1. Why is creativity important at school?2. How can you show creativity when doing chores at home?

Creativity for Teens

In Other WordsEveryone wants to know they are needed and valued, and each individual has a particular way of gauging others’ appreciation.

Recognize DifferencesYou naturally expect others to perceive and respond as you do, but this rarely happens. Shopping, for example, drains some and invigorates others. Even two individuals who like shopping often like it for different reasons.

It takes creative effort to do or say things for someone else’s enjoyment, but honoring others is a choice, and the benefit to the recipient is what matters most. Learn to discern how your friends, classmates, teachers, and family members communicate.

Communicate ClearlyWhile you may feel most valued when others express verbal appreciation, a friend may feel more validated by a pat on the back or fifteen minutes of your undivided attention. You may enjoy surprise parties and carefully selected gifts, but your parents might prefer the practical benefit of cleaning the garage, mowing the yard, or cleaning your room.

Often, the way others express appreciation indicates the way they perceive it. Thank others when they do something that expresses appreciation to you, and show your appreciation in ways to which others can relate. It will probably feel like hard work at first, but your goal is to make the other person feel valuable.

Puzzling

Putting together a puzzle illustrates the creative process. A person must examine the known in order to fill in the unknown.

First, visualize the goal and examine the various pieces. Discern what patterns you are encountering.

Second, assemble the easy areas first. This allows you to focus more attention on the more difficult pieces.

Finally, notice how the picture becomes clearer as you put the pieces together.

State your goal in simple terms. Think past your current situation. Read all you can. Gaining more knowledge prepares you to ask the right

questions. Do not give up on a good idea because of initial failure. When stumped, get some exercise and fresh air or work on another project

for a while.

Discussion Questions:

1. What forms of appreciation mean the most to you?2. What forms of appreciation do you think mean the most to your friends

or family members?3. How can you creatively express appreciation for your teacher or family

today?4. What can you do to improve your skills and develop new skills?5. How can creativity help you overcome the fear of failure?6. How have you demonstrated creativity in the past?

Ending the Ice Age

Frederick McKinley JonesFrederick McKinley Jones was born on May 17, 1892 to an African-American mother and an Irish-American father. His mother left during Frederick’s infancy, and his father, a railroad worker, left young Frederick at a Catholic church in Cincinnati.

Jones attended the parish school. The priest encouraged the boy’s mechanical interests, allowing him to help maintain the church and rectory. The school’s repetition soon bored the youngster, however, and he ran away from the parish at age eleven.

Start Somewhere

Jones obtained a job sweeping the floor at a mechanic shop. By the time he became fourteen, Jones was a full mechanic, and he eventually became garage foreman and built two racecars.

Despite his limited education, Jones carefully watched the experienced mechanics, studied manuals, and learned from daily experience. He enjoyed racecar driving, however, and he lost his job after going to the racetrack during work hours.

Jones moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and worked as a hotel janitor and repairman. Oscar Younggren, a guest at the hotel, noticed Jones’ mechanical abilities and hired him as a full-time mechanic on Younggren’s 50,000 acre farm in Hallock, Minnesota.

Follow Through

In the 1920’s, Jones developed a gasoline engine, an automatic ticket dispenser that returned customers’ change, a snowmobile driven by an airplane propeller, a wireless radio so powerful that it interfered with Navy radios, a portable x-ray machine, and a sound emitting film projector that cost only $100 and performed better than the commercially available models.

His inventions caught the attention of entrepreneur Joseph Numero, and when Numero hired Jones, Jones’ improvements to movie sound equipment put Numero’s company at the forefront of the industry.

Be Ready

Jones began thinking about car air conditioners in 1937, and he presented his idea to Numero, who was not interested. In 1938, however, one of Numero’s friends complained of the losses he sustained when food spoiled in transit because the ice used to cool it melted in hot weather.

Numero recommended that Jones look at the businessman’s truck because Jones already had refrigeration plans. The following week, Jones began designing a cooling unit. His first unit mounted underneath the trailer and weighed 1,200 pounds. The unit suffered from constant exposure to road dust and gravel.

Always mindful of the goal, Jones redesigned his unit, combining the cooling fan and the flywheel and making other space and weight saving improvements. The resulting 720 pound, front-mounted refrigeration unit launched Thermo King Industries.

Jones patented more than sixty inventions, of which forty are related to refrigeration. We remember Jones today because he tackled each job he encountered and examined every aspect for greater improvement and development. Jones maximized his creativity by thinking around the obstacles he faced. And he benefited millions in the process.

Points to Ponder:Fred Jones demonstrated creativity throughout his life, whether making repairs or creating a new piece of equipment.

Do not become overwhelmed by difficulties. Learn from the experts around you. Do not give up because of initial rejection. Remember the purpose for the process. Think through obstacles, and keep trying new ideas.

Lessons From the RaccoonChristopher Columbus first documented raccoons in his journal on October 17–18, 1492. Calling them perro mastin or the “dog like a clown,” he captured several raccoons and took them back to Spain and Portugal.

Jamestown’s Captain John Smith noticed the unusual furs covering Algonquin Chief Powhatan’s throne. The Algonquins called the furs aroughcoune, which means “he who scratches with his hands.”

Colonial soldiers in the American War for Independence found raccoon furs ideal for hats and the tails useful for scarves when uniforms became increasingly limited.

Adapt to Surroundings

Raccoons live across North America from southern Canada to Southern Mexico. They occupy a wide range of habitats from rocky hillsides to farm fencerows, usually near streams or pools of water.

Raccoons are resilient and adaptable, adjusting to suburban and agricultural development. They will eat whatever is available, and individuals usually forage alone within their home ranges.

A mother raccoon gives birth to three or four young in early spring. She will wean the kits at ten or twelve weeks of age, but they stay with her until the next litter is born.

Use What Is Available

Nothing seems to hinder a raccoon when something excites its curiosity. Raccoons have been known to unlatch hooks, turn door knobs, and unscrew lids. Even domesticated raccoons have the ability to cause quite a mess!

Finnish naturalist Pehr Kalm, visited America in 1748 and noted how domestic raccoons could circumvent almost any lock in order to feast on molasses, chicken, or any other desirable treat. “The women therefore have everyday some complaint,” Kalm wrote. The raccoons’ exploits then necessitated that the settlers’ show creativity in order to prevent their pets’ destructive endeavors.

Do What Is Necessary

Wild raccoons creatively find dinner by dangling their slender fingers near crayfish or slipping their fingers into the narrow opening of a clamshell. Either creature then clamps onto the raccoon’s paw, and dinner is served.

One researcher gave a raccoon a latch puzzle, and the raccoon took 17 minutes to solve it. The scientist presented the same puzzle again later, and the raccoon took only four minutes to solve it. In subsequent attempts, the raccoon solved the puzzle in a few seconds.

The Raccoon in Action

Learn Skills

A raccoon moves its fingers across the rocks in a stream to catch crayfish. As soon as it feels the pinch of the crayfish claw, the raccoon knows it has located a meal.

Develop Habits

Raccoons sometimes “wash” their food when they find water available. This behavior earned them their German name Waschbaer which means “washing bear.”

Try It

Tree hollows provide raccoons with places to hide and some raccoons have maneuvered their way into surprisingly tight places in search of food or hiding places.

Do Not Give Up

Few trash receptacles can resists a raccoon’s intrusion. Locks, airtight containers, and doorknobs rarely prevent a raccoon from investigating what is inside.

Character Today

Innovation on WheelsDaimlerChrysler needed new direction as Lee Iacocca slid into the CEO’s seat in 1978.

Iacocca had just lost his position as Ford Company president. He had worked for Ford as an engineer, a salesman, and a member of product development. He was famous for his work on the Ford Mustang and Pinto.

Chrysler hired Iacocca on Hal Sperlich’s recommendation. Sperlich had also worked for Ford. Together Iacocca and Sperlich led Chrysler’s efforts to develop and introduce the minivan.

Remember the Goal

Chrysler had captured a 45% share of the full-sized van market because it offered air conditioning, power windows, power locks, exceptional stereos, and rear-window defrosters, but rather than rest on this accomplishment, Iacocca’s organization continued responding to customer needs.

Research indicated consumers wanted a smaller body, larger interior, sliding side door, three-person removable seats, and a flat floor. Designers included front-wheel drive and pushed forward plans for a V-6 engine. Their creative design succeeded.

Regardless of your accomplishments, do not become complacent. Remember the goal and the needs you are meeting instead of getting stuck on the methods you are using.

Recognize Opportunity

Designers hoped the minivan would improve on the station wagon without reducing the demand for full-sized vans.

In 1983, Chrysler rolled out the Plymouth Voyager and the Dodge Caravan, and Chrysler minivans have received multiple awards, including the International Car of the Year Most Compatible Minivan for the 2005 Chrysler Town and Country.

Stay alert to trends around you so that you can respond creatively. Innovations spark new interests and create future possibilities. Progress always involves risk, but it also allows an organization to shift the paradigm and meet market needs.

Focus Efforts

Because of Chrysler’s desperate financial situation, Iacocca sold the failing European branch. Chrysler also introduced efficient, front-wheel drive cars, which became so successful that Chrysler repaid its government-guaranteed loans seven years earlier than expected.

When assets need realignment, recognize and refocus on the most valuable and build upon your best opportunities.

Though you might not lead an automobile manufacturer, you can apply creativity to find better ways to meet needs.

Girl Scouts Behind BarsOklahoma leads the nation, incarcerating 134 women per 100,000 population in 2009, and according to the Oklahoma Study of Incarcerated Mothers and Their Children 2009, this affects over 4000 children under age 18. Sheila Harbert is director of Girl Scouts Beyond Bars for Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma.

Character First: What attracted you personally to the Girl Scouts Beyond Bars program?

Sheila Harbert: I have 14 years background as a Oklahoma Department of Corrections volunteer through my church. During bible study, the ladies would always show remorse and regret for "letting their children down." They were extremely sorrowful because they were not able to see their children. In 2003, Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma were awarded a grant for the specific purpose of

Sheila Harbert: "I've held children that would beg to see their mother, so these children are real to  me."

   

 Sheila Harbert and her colleagues with Oklahoma State Treasurer Scott Meacham in the Oklahoma Capitol Building

using the principles of Girl Scouting to help mend mother/daughter relationships that were broken due to incarceration. I jumped at the opportunity!

CF: You mentioned a conversation you had with one of the girls concerned about her brother not being able to go visit theirmother. Could you describe that conversation? What prompted you to do something about it?

Harbert: While returning a young girl home after a fun outing, her brother ran to the van and asked the girl what did she do and did she have fun. The young girl who was previously laughing and talking about how much fun she had, answered her brother, "it was okay."

At a future meeting, I asked the young girl why she played down her good time... and she replied, "It is fun going to see momma, but it is hard going home to my brother and he didn't get to have the same fun as me, so I just always make it look like no big deal." She then asked me why the brothers don't get to go.

As a leader, we teach the girls that there is a solution to every problem. We just have to put our resources to good use to solve them. We have always taught that Girl Scouts are innovative and can do anything they put their mind to. This young girl believed us. Thus was born Boys 2 MEND.

CF: You said a similar conversation led your organization to start Project Reconnect. What happened there?

Harbert: An important part of Project MEND is that we meet with the mothers apart from our child/mom meetings and teach them life skills that prepare them to go home and take care of their families. The children have always been an integral part of this teaching. Project MEND allows the children to remain with [the] program after the mother's release, so our leaders have always had regular communication with the mothers post-release. An older girl scout read about reentry and how other states were allowing mothers to learn a trade while they are incarcerated so that they could find a good job after release. With the overwhelming support of the George Kaiser Family Foundation, Project Reconnect was born.

CF: You have something like eight organizations working together on Project Reconnect. What challenges have you encountered? How did you and the others involved deal with them?

Sheila Harbert jumped at the chance to help incarcerated mothers build stronger relationships with their children.

Harbert: Our partners began with Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Helping Women Recover, Arbor Workforce, Tulsa Technology Center, and CareerTech. The challenges we faced were providing this type of program while the ladies were incarcerated. The ladies had to be transported to a different location for training. Also the same time we started this program, the country went into a recession.

We overcame the challenges by constantly evaluating our current programming. Three classes later, we have learned so much and feel that we are on the right track.

The ZaxOne day, making tracks in the prairie of Prax,Came a North-Going Zax and a South-Going Zax.

And it happened that both of them came to a placeWhere they bumped. There they stood.Foot to foot. Face to face.

"Look here, now!" the North-Going Zax said, "I say!You are blocking my path. You are right in my way.I'm a North-Going Zax and I always go north.Get out of my way, now, and let me go forth!"

"Who's in whose way?" snapped the South-Going Zax."I always go south, making south-going tracks.So you're in MY way! And I ask you to moveAnd let me go south in my south-going groove."

Then the North-Going Zax puffed his chest up with pride."I never," he said, "take a step to one side.And I'll prove to you that I won't change my waysIf I have to keep standing here fifty-nine days!"

"And I'll prove to YOU," yelled the South-Going Zax,"That I can stand here in the prairie of PraxFor fifty-nine years! For I live by a ruleThat I learned as a boy back in South-Going School.Never budge! That's my rule. Never budge in the least!Not an inch to the west! Not an inch to the east!I'll stay here, not budging! I can and I willIf it makes you and me and the whole world stand still!"

Well...Of course the world didn't stand still. The world grew.In a couple of years, the new highway came throughAnd they built it right over those two stubborn ZaxAnd left them there, standing un-budged in their tracks.

Don't let your current way of thinking blind you to possible improvements. Test other ideas, and try something new. Move down the highway of life instead of becoming an impediment.

Poem by Dr. Seuss, from The Sneetches and Other Stories, Copyright 1961 by Theodor S. Geisel and Audrey S. Geisel, renewed 1989

Picture This

Clearing the ClutterEveryone experiences mental fatigue and other obstacles. When you feel you are not progressing, take a break.

Go for a walk around the block or through the nearest park. You may be surprised how fresh air and exercise can give you fresh ideas or help you re-focus your efforts.

Music can also stimulate creativity. Whether you play an instrument, a recording, or the radio, listening to music can help you return to your task with a fresh perspective.