21st Century Business – Creative Thinking for Creative Leadership

“In order for creativity to become a global leadership competence, individuals in leadership positions must first recognize the fact that creativity and creative problem solving are 21st century leadership skills.” Gerard J. Puccio, department chairman and professor at the International Center for Studies in Creativity at Buffalo State College and co-author ofThe Innovative Team: Unleashing Creative Potential for Breakthrough Results

Creative thinking leads to breakthrough ideas and increased success in businesses. Adding creativity and an “out of the box” mentality to their skill-set allows leaders to inspire their work force and invites collaborative brainstorming. Engaged employees are happier employees and promotes an important team atmosphere.

What are some of the ways leaders can encourage and enhance creative thinking for themselves and their employees?

Executing top-down strategy is shifting from leadership mandates to collaboration and input and creativity from all employees. Companies like Google, Facebook, and Apple have realized that inviting creative solutions and brainstorming not only gives employees a vested interest in the company, but encourages more autonomy and employees that are eager to take initiative. Good leaders have the vision and then build a team that can implement the vision. This includes hiring those who will thrive in a creative atmosphere.

One doesn’t manage creativity. One manages for creativity. Teresa Amabile – Harvard Business Review

Creative thinking doesn’t just happen; good leaders have to make it happen. Many businesses are focused on their day to day operations and the bottom line. Smart businesses are also focused on carving out time in the work day for creative and collaborative conception. With the intense growth of the internet and web-based business, there has been a definite shift to an innovation-driven economy and companies that make space for that innovation and creativity will survive as 21st century businesses.

Collaboration happens inside and outside the company. Promoting creative thinking and problem-solving includes opportunities for leadership and employees to connect with others through retreats, workshops, and learning environments. Diversity of people, of thought, of experience sets the stage for increased creativity and out of the box thinking. Creative skills can be learned!

“If we do not employ creativity as a core cultural imperative in business, we will be stuck in yesterday’s success and actively resist change. The most efficient framework for chief learning offers to promote innovation is to create a culture that rewards creative thinking. Build a professional platform that engages and ignites new ideas. Let go of old perceptions of how social networking works for our kids and create the framework that channels success strategies throughout your learning organization in a viral, fun and strategic way.” Graffiti artist and motivational speaker Erik Wahl

Getting in line with the latest technology and using social networking and media to share information, successes, and connect with your customer base is mandatory in the 21st century. Going viral is not going away!

Creative leadership is visionary leadership. Companies that are vested in surviving in the 21st century are looking more and more to innovation that produces results, rather than just the bottom line. For those forward thinking companies, Fire Power Seminars can help! We specialize in breakthrough moments for individuals and teams. We can customize retreats and seminars that t can take your team to the next creative level? Click here to connect with us today!

Karen Pfeffer
Karen is passionate about sharing powerful programs on communication, empowerment, team building and transformation. With a father from Kansas and a mother from Puerto Rico, Karen has a unique cultural mix that has inspired her to challenge stereotypes and “push the envelope” at every opportunity. She co-founded Fire Power Seminars with Connie Phelan in 2006 to empower individuals, organizations, and companies to achieve more than they ever thought possible.