Creativity

Creativity requires the freedom to consider the "unthinkable" alternatives, to doubt the worth of cherished practices.
-- John Gardner, Leadership Writer

People identified as creative tend to be loved or hated in our society. The creative that are loved tend to be artists, intellectuals and stars/heroes. They think outside of the box, presenting the world’s beauty, mystery, and knowledge. They excite our senses and they give us tools and maps to find things in our world and ourselves. They are mirrors that reveal our humanity- flaws and strengths.

These creative people are considered “other world,” operating on an abstract or commentary level, not directly changing systems, rather inspiring and influencing their community. They are not considered a direct threat, rather theorists on how the world should be.

Creative people that are hated* are those who what Garner states “doubt the worth of cherished practices.” We must be clear that the creative person that Garner describes is not an anarchist, rather one who knows (through study and emersion) the system and community that she/he resides and seeks to engage in “unthinkable” alternatives to better the community. Creative people are fearless, not due to pride, but due the absence of fear and planning.

Why they are hated has nothing to do with their outcome of critical thinking rather what the outcome may produce- change. Humans are creatures of habit, always opting to engage in the familiar. The primary reason for this behavior is that while cherished practices may be limiting, there is no fear; there is a clear vision of the outcome. Those who would identify themselves as creative people may find themselves frustrated in communities that always opt for the familiar. They may tend to feel lonely and unable to engage in their community.

The outcome of this frustration and loneliness can be transformational or harmful, not only to the creative person, but also to the community. Creative people may become disillusioned with their community resulting in silence and resentment. Their dreams become stagnant and their performance minimal. The observer may see this as laziness or lack of vision.

Let us explore transformation that happens to creative people that combat societies hatred. I would consider myself a creative person. I am a person who looks for ways to communicate and perform better in everything I do. I have sent the last two years in communities that love thinking out of the box, yet are not willing to step in many areas of the unknown. I became frustrated to the point of disconnect. I went with the flow, stopped dreaming, believing that I had to wait for my time. This proved to be very harmful. While I am taking small steps towards recovery, I am still haunted with its remnants.

In the spring of 2008, I sat down with my supervisor and what started as a brainstorming session for an event turned to a time of guided self reflection. My supervisor pointed out the blatant reality that in had checked out at work. I went on to share my experience with being creative and being criticized and silenced as a result. My supervisor went on to challenge me to think and do the following things:

1. Be an observer first, and innovator last.
2. Do not shy away from sharing your ideas and personalities with people. But be proactive, not reactive.
3. Know that people’s aversions to your ideas are not aversions to you, rather to change.
4. You can challenge the systems in which you reside in without being disrespectful.
5. Pursue excellence and people with follow.

Today, when I read this quote by Gardener I was reminded that my creativity is an important part of my leadership style. In addition it reminds me of where I have been, and where I am going.


*To have a great aversion to, with a strong desire that evil should befall the person toward whom the feeling is directed; to dislike intensely; to detest; as, to hate one's enemies; to hate hypocrisy.