Question

Please find one scholarly link to an article, or one video about creativity or play in business that you really resonate with and in roughly 250-300 words, let us know what you think about this idea. Is creativity and play really important in business? What are some ways you have experienced this, if applicable. What do you do in your life to encourage creativity and play? When do you feel most alive?

Answer 1

I agree with Gupta and Shaikh when in their article in the International Journal of engineering and management research, they say that creativity 'evokes an emotional response' in those who practice it and those who perceive it. Simply put, we'll know it when we see it even thought it is not easy to define what exactly it (creativity) is. Much like beauty it depends a lot on the beholder, as different people view creativity in many different ways - positive to negative, sublime to foolish and divine to insane. It can be the use of imagination to create an entirely new product, or to add unexpected value to an existing product/service, but in most cases it can bring about a positive enhancement to the existing state of things. This is why it is fundamentally important that business and leaders embrace creativity.

A key ingredient of high performing individuals and organisations is creativity according to M. Basadur (Basadur, 2004). It can enhance talent and intelligence and allow people to push boundaries and seek new interpretations. This can lead to innovation that can in turn lead to growth in business through new business ideas.

(Gupta, Shaikh, 2017)

The iPad is one such example, no one knew they needed/wanted a product like that until it hit the market. This highly creative idea found space in the existing landscape of numerous technology devices with a completely new concept. Businesses that encourage this thinking can benefit by being the first to market with new product ideas and in developing a clear competitive edge in the scores of competitors.

To encourage creativity in my life, I like to participate in one of the most creative areas in the world - music. Music is the epitome of creative expression to me - it does not have any geographic boundaries, it transcends language and instruments, can be made by anyone who is creative and can be enjoyed by anyone with or without creativity. It is in effect the greatest unifier that can create bonds between completely different people with nothing else in common except a love for music. Listening to and playing music provides me with a way to connect with people, culture and allows me a way of expressing and sharing my own unique brand of creativity.

References :

Basadur, M. (2004) Leading others to think innovatively together: Creative Leadership. Leadership Quarterly 15(1)

Gupta, B.N., Shaikh, Md. Sadique (2017) Redefining Creativity and Creative Leadership for Effective Business Execution. International journal of engineering and management research. 7(1)