Brian's Six
Laws of Creativity for Leaders
By Brian Norris, ©2001, 414-899-1905
1. If you don't think you have a problem, think again. Workplace related stress and rage are rising. Productivity, corporate pride and positivity are plummeting. The challenge of attracting and retaining employees has never been more severe. Your employees are talking to others about your ability (or lack thereof) to lead. They're using every outlet possible to tell the world about what's really happening in your organization. And why? Because your employees believe that you've stopped listening or don't care enough to communicate openly, honestly and consistently.
Your ability to solve these problems is paramount to your organization's success, to your job security and to your ability to earn more money. After all, you get paid for results, don't you?
2. Although it's a start, a one or two-day workshop on any topic is NOT the panacea. It's impossible to learn everything you need to learn in just one day. Even if you could be exposed to every insight within that 8 to 16 hour timeframe, you'd most likely hit information overload and not be able to apply what you've learned. Additionally, you're going to forget 30% to 80% of what you learned with 72 hours anyway. That's why it's important to take tools like audio programs, books and software back with you. That's also why it's imperative to implement the best ideas and "ahas" IMMEDIATELY.
Practical creativity develops and grows through ongoing repetition. Repetition breeds retention. Retention induces application. Application leads to long-term change. Change is generally good, isn't it? Consequently, practical creativity can result in the strengthening of departments, teams, and individuals, improved morale and repositioning, empowerment, effectiveness in the workplace).
3. "Baptism by fire" is overrated. The workplace doesn't care that that you worked 80 hours last week or that it took ten years of mistakes to get it right. They don't care whether you found your answers through divine intervention, in a users manual or on the back of a cereal box. Your employers, employees and customers only care that you can be an effective communicator, coach and agent for change.
4. We need to stop telling our employees to think outside the lines. That commandant should be reserved for those employees who are already performing ABOVE standard. If you haven't empowered your employees and trained them to make the right/best decisions, you're going to pay a steep price.
Asking an unskilled or ill-prepared employee to "think outside the lines" is the same as asking them to jump from a plane without a parachute or to make their way through a pitch black room, littered with mines -- without a flash light! Before you expect employees to make the ultimate leap of faith, show them the benefits of being creative WITHIN the parameters and systems you've spent all of that time, energy and dollars to teach them.
5. We should be focusing first on the other essential skills such as becoming effective communicators, being consistent coaches, encouraging teamwork, improving morale, hiring the best people, firing dead wood, increasing profitability, and marketing our corporate mission. Before you can even begin to think about getting creative, you have to master these skills.
6. Just being more creative isn't enough. It's like faith without action or motivation without guided application. Successful leaders invest in life-long learning tools to accomplish those essential skills that allow them to stay competitive and sharp. Anything which reduces your stress, gives you greater earning power or increases your job security is worth investing in. And no one cares about your success and personal achievement more than you do. Consequently, you must invest in yourself ... even if your organization doesn't.
Here are my recommendations for further insight into creativity, coaching, motivation and smart marketing strategies:
Brian
Norris is a creativity and communications specialist. Through his customized
presentations and business development services, Brian helps organizations
to create passionate, positive and more profitable work environments. You
may reach him by calling 414-899-1905 or emailing info@briannorris.com.
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