Creativity is essential in Human Resources and tapped daily. Many of the issues we handle, whether forward planning or today’s crisis, involve multi-aspects and complex interplay. We have to think fast.
Generally the information and experience we have on the subject, and in similar situations, zooms through our mind and we make a solid decision. Effective – yes. Creative – maybe. Repetitive – probably. It may not be surprising that we face the same issues repeatedly (e.g. organizational issues) but it could suggest that the last solution may have been incomplete.
This time, we think, we have an opportunity to look deeper, to be creative and try to find a sustainable solution.
Most times, however, we do not have that luxury as we immediately need to switch to other matters needing similar attention. But, we need time. We have to take time in whatever way
is practical to stimulate the creative processes. Retreats at a nice resort and think tanks can
be excellent, but the need for decisions and creative solutions is a daily event and cannot wait.
We may be very smart at dealing with a continuous flow of challenges, but how much better could our decisions and deliberations be if we are able to temporarily switch off some of the distractions and move into creative mode, particularly when handling complex and tough issues. It can be a difficult transition, particularly if our pattern is set to go, go, go, and always being totally reachable. There may even be some guilt associated, at moving out of the main stream even for relatively short periods. But, if it will nourish our innovation and strategic excellence it needs to be part of our routine.
We will need to acknowledge and commit to the value of uncluttered thinking time to make it happen. The normal relentless fast pace and high stimulation is exciting - sometimes the need to sustain the pace can almost be like an addiction or security blanket. I am not suggesting anything drastic or spectacular. It could be taking time off-site (e.g. during the lunch hour) to refocus on a particular issue. It could be a walk around the building, which is refreshing as a change of pace and can give valuable project input, both environmental and from chats with employees/potential end users.
Some of my most creative moments have been when travelling. When driving between locations, I stopped catching up on phone calls. It made no sense to try and extend the office environment into my car, so it became creative thinking time. Just thinking through the issues and people involved in some of the current challenges. Because it was free flow and the pace slowed down by the journey, quite often there would be sudden jolts of inspiration about other, better approaches. I think, for example, that when visualizing, it is easier to effectively assemble (on my virtual mind screen) all the factors, rather than ploughing through a multi-page linear summary.
Flying time is also an excellent time to put on the seat belt and a thinking hat. Similar to driving time, but usually with fewer distractions. Not only is the flying time yours to use, but also the often-longer time waiting for departure and after arrival. Peering down at clouds sets a nice tone, but thunder storms can certainly affect the train of thought. I am not suggesting that in flight creative thought exclude everything else. On a 14-hour flight, for example, there still has to be time for viewing multi-movies and watching the slow approach of refreshments down the aisle.
I have found that by making slight adjustments to my work scheduling, I felt more in control and by stepping back from time to time, I was more in the driving seat and not being pulled along, in reactive mode, by action which never stopped.
Possibly you have a similar experience or ways you find effective to balance time and focus. Any thoughts or suggestions you have will be very welcome.
