Introduction................................................................................................................. Creativity and innovation
Creativity
There are a number of obstacleswhich inhibit creativity. The seven main
ones are:
1 Negativity
2 Fear of failure
3 Lack of quality thinking time
4 Over-conformance with rules and regulations
5 Making assumptions
6 Applying too much logic
7 Thinking you are not creative.These obstacles can be seen in this identi-kit profile of the non-
creative person; someone who is:- not able to think positively about problems (and does not see
them as opportunities) - too busy or stressed to think objectively or at all
- very self-critical
- timid in putting forward a new idea (fearing ridicule)
- viewed as a conformist by friends/colleagues
- prone to apply logic as a first and last resort
- sceptical that many people are capable of being creative
- unable to think laterally
- uninspired even when confronted with a new idea.
On the other hand, creativity can be encouraged in people (including
oneself) by exploring some of the qualities and characteristics of
creative thinkers and the activities/steps that can be undertaken to
improve the processes involved.