I see a lot of job descriptions. In the list of employee attributes, creativity (or innovation) is  one of the universally necessary personality traits along with team player, flexibility, self-motivation, ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, cooperativeness, etc. These are typically included in almost every job posting.

But, while the majority of employers want to hire creative employees, less than half of them believe that the workers they have meet their needs in terms of creativity, critical thinking and communication. And employees complain that the office environment doesn’t allow them to be creative in their jobs. Is the lack of creativity because employees are mediocre or because office cultures are rigid?

What is Business Creativity?

Creative workers approach business problems without preconceptions. Rather than adopting routine solutions, they consider untried options. They explore unusual perspectives and openly consider fresh possibilities before adopting a strategy.

When a new activity is being initiated or the results of business processes are disappointing, creative companies cultivate unrestricted explorations of ideas. Producing innovative alternatives to problems requires a diverse and empowered team of contributors to the decision making process. Then likely outcomes can be evaluated and the best option implemented.

In our rapidly evolving competitive marketplace, creative business responses are a necessity.

Japanese producers have been marketing square fruits and vegetables for many years. Grown in a box that restricts their shape, they take up less room when they are being transported. What an innovative solution to a operational problem! How many organizations would have even considered such a radical suggestion?

The 5 Requirements for Business Creativity

Given the right conditions, almost everyone is creative. What is necessary for an employee  to develop innovative solutions?

• Knowledge of the field
• Having resources (other people, information, time) available to enable the exploration of possibilities
• The freedom to take risks and accept (and learn from) failures
• A sense of investment in the problem being addressed
• The respect and appreciation of stakeholders

Unless the company establishes a creative culture,  employees will not be able to explore innovative solutions. It is less important to try to hire creative workers than it is to empower them to contribute creatively. Employ people with the necessary expertise and then give them the support they need to be creative.

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