NFIB

Be Creative by Being Yourself
12/ 04/ 2002

by Lisa Waddle

"Innovation and Creativity" is a fresh theme for the new year. But it's dangerous to think of creativity as kooky thinking that's confined to retreats and resolutions. Dangerous because there's no question of the need today to come up with new ideas, new insights and new solutions to keep your company competitive.

But creativity is a scary word. We're taught, in school and throughout life, to think in a straightforward way, a way most of us are uncomfortable thinking outside of. Adding to creativity's mystique is the fact that it can't be forced, or confined to a 10 a.m. meeting.

But you can promote innovative thinking in yourself and your employees. It's a skill that can be learned, not something you either have or you don't.

You're already at an advantage as a small business owner, because you're most likely in an environment that promotes what Stanley S. Gryskeiwicz calls "positive turbulence." This is an energizing climate that the head of the Center for Creative Leadership says upsets the status quo and impels organizations toward renewal and innovation. You may call it chaos, but the life of an entrepreneur naturally lends itself to creativity, because it's not about segregating work from the rest of your life. That's why a walk outside or visit to a museum can spark a creative solution to a work problem. Granted, creativity, like turbulence, isn't always welcome. It's easier to just keep things the way they are, especially when they're running smoothly. But to squash creativity for the sake of contentment is a poor long-term strategy.

No one debates the change taking place in today's world. And to keep doing what you've always done is no way to advance your business or your life. Take a look at how other small business owners have used creativity in their business. Then get out there and shake things up a bit.

---

This article originally appeared in the January/February 2001 issue of MyBusiness Magazine, NFIB's member magazine.

Small Business Sound Off
Does this story hit home?  Share your story with us