Leaders Need to Let Creativity Flow

Is there such a thing as an unsolvable problem? I believe the answer is a resounding NO! Every problem has at least one solution. As leaders (including soon-to-be leaders), our job is to help others–and ourselves–unleash their latent creativity to discover the solutions. I enjoy brain teasers because these tests force me to think differently to solve complex problems. The same thinking can be applied to business problems, church problems, government problems, community problems, etc. Thinking differently requires creativity. Unleash it!

Remember Marshall Goldsmith’s admonishment, “What got you here won’t get you there.” So how do we avoid the trap of prior success? We continuously look for new ways to solve both old and new problems. We continuously adapt. We unleash our creativity and encourage others to do likewise.

In his book No Limits, John Maxwell offers eight keys that he used to increase his ability to see options and find answers. These keys increased his creative capacity and can help us lift the lid on our leadership capacity by unleashing our creativity.

1. Believe there is always an answer. Change from “Is there an answer?” to “What is the answer?”

2. Believe there is more than one answer. When others bring problems to you, ask them to propose three solutions.

3. Believe that everything and everyone can get better. Never cap your expectations.

4. Understand that questions help us to become more creative. Good leaders ask great questions.

5. Become comfortable with half-baked ideas. The sooner we can get other perspectives, the closer we will come to finding answers.

6. Become comfortable letting go of what was embraced yesterday. Remember, what got us here won’t get us there.

7. Ask creative people to help. Get the brainstormers in the room to explore the good, the bad, and yes, even the ugly.

8. Give yourself creative retreats. Creativity flourishes in solitude. Take the time to reflect.

Train yourself to see the possibilities by embracing the eight keys above. You will become a creative person who sees more possibilities and offers more options that lead to incredible solutions. So go ahead, unleash your creativity. It’s dying to come out.