We've reached the half-way point of our exploration of the 8 Cs of Self-Leadership from the IFS-Institute and their founder, Dr. Richard Swartz (Calm, Curiosity, Confidence, Compassion, Creativity, Courage, Clarity, and Connectedness). Hopefully, this series is helping to create some positive focus as we keep moving forward into 2025.
We've already touched on Calm, Curiosity, Confidence, and Compassion, and this week we turn our attention to Creativity.
Creativity
I would like to again borrow some insight from the way the IFS-Institute defines Creativity, and in particular, two of their specific definitions: the use of the imagination to produce original ideas... [and] the ability to create generative learning and solutions to problems alone or with others.
When I was a kid, I had a friend that I can remember spending hours with using our imaginations to create all kinds of wild adventures. It didn't matter if we were at his house or my house, whenever we were together, we would come up with all of these incredible stories of adventure and conquest and act them out around our yards. I can also remember when my boys were young watching them play and run around our backyard, often swinging their light sabers like they were real life Jedis in Star Wars. Our imaginations have the power to create whole new worlds and countless possibilities, but something happens as we age and become more "mature." We get told that some people are more creative than others, and that there are certain ways things need to be done. Then, if we don't follow all of the correct procedures, we are "out of line" or creating disruption in the system.
While I think there is a time and a place for helpful procedures and protocols (I won't run down another nerdy rabbit trail about airport stuff, but let's just say there are times when procedures keep us safe!), I also think we need to recapture a better sense of wonder and the use of our imaginations to help us think more Creatively. Activating our imaginations more can help us see things through fresh eyes and a new perspective, giving us the ability to develop some new original ideas or to find new solutions to problems we are facing.
My dad worked as a mechanical engineer his whole life and for a significant portion of it he helped run a research and development division for a manufacturing company. During the course of his life he ended up with his name listed as an inventor and creator on more than 95 patents, having made something brand new no one else had ever made before. If you ask my dad about being an inventor, he will tell you that he isn't one - he was just a simple problem-solver who was trying to look for solutions in new ways.
Maybe we won't get our names on a new patent, but I certainly think embracing greater Creativity could have some powerful impact. How could you use Creativity to help you approach a current situation from a new perspective? What problem are you facing that might require a new solution, and how could you use your imagination to dream about it? Is there a person or a team you are engaging with that seems to just come back to the same rut? What would it take to think Creatively about that individual or group and see if you can find a new approach that might get you out of the rut?
Here's to engaging our Creativity this week!
Be Well,
Stephen
Center was created to support individuals and teams so they can live from their Purposeful Center. We specialize in professional coaching and leadership development and we’d love to support you! Click on our Services page to book a free consultation.
Comments