Conclusion

Rembrandt painted many works, but not all of them are as highly regarded as ˜The Night Watch . Each work, however, is recognised for its own merit. So it should be with ideas. Indeed, just as the artist revels in the creative process as well as the final work, it is imperative that we make our workplaces a canvas to foster imagination .

As the twenty-first century unfolds, a successful organisation will be recognised by its ability to access its imagination resource base, and creativity will be a core business attribute.

It is possible for all organisations to tap into and harness imagination and creativity for business success and survival. It doesn t require a major corporate restructure ”just a shift in attitude!

Some tips for nurturing creativity

1. Encourage everyone to contribute.

   Each of us likes to feel that we are not just a cog in the system. Participation helps share the vision and allows each of us to see where we can bring our skills to assist in achieving the big picture.

2. Life is full of contradictions.

   We accept them in our relationships ”we need to accept them in our work environments and not try to control them. Inconsistencies can often provide an opportunity for creative tension and the generation of a discussion and ideas. Accepting and assessing contradictions allows us to turn them to an advantage rather than spending all our effort in trying to seek reconciliation.

3. Correct processes will allow adaptable organisations to respond.

   Ensure your organisation has processes that set appropriate guidelines to provide stability without imposing restrictive regimes. Good governance is about ensuring the organisation is able to respond to changing environments.

4. Value diversity, fun, enjoyment, commitment and spirit.

   We spend the majority of our week at work, participating in ventures that will make the world a better place. It s important to enjoy that time at work, and celebrate our achievements and the people we work with and who support us.

5. Accept change ”it provides opportunity.

   Be open to surprises (sometimes very difficult to accept). Change, be it negative or positive, is challenging. We should encourage our people to resist the urge to respond immediately, and instead to first explore the opportunities that arise from change.

6. Continually question your own behaviour and ideas.

   Find new directions, challenge boundaries and reshape goals. Imagination and creativity are not static concepts. Maintain them, nurture them, challenge them . . . revel in them.