Creative People at Work
Look around you. You will come across a mix of personalities. Some will be focussed, never diverting from their routine. There will be others who comfortably follow the most trodden path and feel safe that way. There are still others who like to go their own way – the creators of new pathways – not ready to blindly walk the roads laid down by others; not willing to live on others’ terms and conditions. Doesn’t sound very easy to handle, does it? But, they are the ones – the bright sparks, the originals who bask in the glory of their own style, and are capable of coming up with the most fascinating innovations. Yes, we are talking about the creative minds.
Where do you find them?
We tend to immediately jump to the conclusion that creative personalities are meant for media; fashion industry; galleries; advertising and designing companies or for the world of music and literature. In fact, you will find them in all walks of life from the corporate to academies; from the confines of a laboratory to the wilderness of nature – they thrive wherever their hearts lie.
Why is it important to have creative people at workplace?
Simply put by Edward de Bono, a Psychologist, “Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way”. Uninfluenced by normal trends, creative individuals are independent thinkers, gifted with a natural tendency to think out of the box. Their divergent thinking yields probably the best solutions to problems – those problems, which often remain unaddressed or even unnoticed by many. Thus, having creative people at work are more than necessary if you want to take your workplace from mediocrity to excellence.
Understanding their strengths and weaknesses
Undoubtedly, it’s important to understand your employees, more so in case of the creative ones. Have you heard of the ‘absent-minded professor’? Creative geniuses are often moody, erratic, get demotivated as quickly as they get inspired. What makes it more difficult is that external incentives don’t necessarily motivate them.
Another downside is that it may take seconds or ages for them to pop up with a brilliant idea. Also, their inborn inclination towards divergent thinking may at times result in a loss of focus. All these are a part and parcel of the creative mind.
Now, you’ve got to give something to get something. You don’t want to lose your gems. You need to know what ticks them; what that key ingredient is which sustains their motivation level; what sort of ambience they work best in; what they value and what they despise.
Here are some pointers to ensure you get the best out of them:-
* Liberty – Too many rules curtail the creative psyche. That doesn’t mean you should not have regulations at all. But there need to be balance and flexibility. Periodic reviewing of the rules aids in developing a healthy atmosphere which fosters quality performance.
* Give them ample space, though not to the point of alienating them. Occasional interventions are welcome. It makes them feel important.
* Inspiration – the key ingredient which retains the motivation of creatives. Creative individuals do not like boring routine tasks. They constantly look for change. Do the unexpected. Surprise them and they are happy! Conduct frequent team building sessions, interactive games and brainstorming discussions. They are the at their best when asked to create something. Involve them in planning and organising such sessions.
* Place them among open minded colleagues, who are more accepting of their eccentric ways. Having too many creative people all in one place often invites conflicts and clashes, which may become too much to handle. If possible, striking a balance by placing a blend of personalities is always a better idea.
Which kind of offices need creative individuals?
There is no set office for creative individuals. Wherever they go, they carry their genius with them. They add brilliance to their surroundings, find fresh methods for improvement at work. In marketing, they find creative solutions for promotions. Creative designers combine colour, concepts and themes to develop attractive logos and designs. Creativity is important in all sectors of work. Science and technology wouldn’t have advanced at this rate, had it not been for the creative scientists. Authors, musicians and film makers succeed for the creative element in them. They’re needed everywhere. There would be no innovation without creativity.
KreativePool not only help clients to find the best people for their firms, but also provide quality HR solutions which facilitate their overall efficiency. To avail our services, talk to us.