Become a Creative Mythbuster

In my most recent blog, I identified three myths that handcuff our creativity. Myth #1: Creativity is something you either have or you don’t. Myth #2: Being creative is something you do as opposed to something you are. Myth #3: There are a limited number of creative geniuses. In the words of Galileo: “You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him find it within himself.” As a leader, you ought to be the Chief Creative Mythbuster in your organization. It’s your duty to help others move path the myths to rediscover their unique creative abilities. Here’s your first assignment as Chief Creative Mythbuster. Gather your team for a meeting and be sure to hand each person a coin. In the center of the table have all of the supplies to make ice cream sundaes (ice cream, chocolate topping, caramel topping, nuts, sprinkles, etc.) Have each person flip a coin to illustrate Myth #1. Those with heads are “creative;” they can create their own sundae. Those with tails aren’t; they have to sit and watch. As the “creatives” design their sundaes, talk about how we often view creativity as an either / or proposition. Just as it’s almost impossible to look at both sides of a coin at the same time; so also it’s impossible to see the creativity that everyone has when you subscribe to Myth #1. Explain how it’s not the job of a select few to come up with ideas. Affirm that you’re relying on everyone to contribute his or her creativity to the team. (After you’re done illustrating, it might be a good idea to let the “non-creatives” make sundaes, too!)