• Describe how creativity can contribute to a fulfilling work life
• Develop your creativity through three activities

What is Creativity?

Creativity, strictly speaking, refers to the act of making something that previously did not exist. It is a way of thinking that involves the imagination and intuition. Combined with the refined tools of logic, creativity can lead to pathways of discovery and invention.

Creativity at Work

Employers greatly value creative thinkers because such employees can

• think of innovative work-related ideas and approaches,
• solve difficult or unusual problems,
• relate meaningfully with co-workers and clients, and
• contribute positively to the growth of an organization.

Developing your creativity will enable you to do even the most mundane tasks in a mindful and spirited way, opening up the possibilities for innovation and self-fulfillment.

Creativity and Career Planning

Why should you think about creativity as you are planning your career? Colin Campbell, Career Consultant and author of several books on the changing workplace, says that the new economy is largely based on the exchange of knowledge. New multidisciplinary ways of thinking about problem solving and managing knowledge are being developed.

According to Campbell, new employees must have the abilities to

• flow with change and opportunity,
• continue to learn,
• anticipate near and distant future trends and needs,
• network, and
• understand global change.

Employees still need interpersonal, communication, and technical skills. However, you can expand your employability by adding these abilities to your qualifications. To do so requires some insight into

• your life,
• your career, and
• the future trends in your discipline.

Three Easy Ways to Stimulate your Creativity

Reading about the ideas and innovations in your field will help you to generate creative approaches to your education and career. Also, read about subjects in other disciplines as knowledge in one area can often inform thought and problem solving in another area.

Keep a journal of your readings and project ideas. Keep track of what you have done and what you want to do next. Describing these in writing gives you the chance to reflect and do some forward thinking.

Socialize with people who have the same interests and with whom you can share ideas about the projects that excite you. Developing projects outside of school and work will keep your personal interests satisfied and will allow you to develop them further. Networking with people in your profession who have the same interests will stimulate your professional growth and open new avenues of development.

Need more information about creativity and work? Visit these Websites:

Click here to return to Establishing Goals