"Creativity is intelligence having fun.” - Albert Einstein
Creative thinking has always been a sought-after skill for organizations, valued for its role in driving innovation and problem-solving. As businesses and industries evolve, the importance of creative thinking has only grown. Today, creative thinking is increasingly recognized not just as a desirable skill, but as a crucial element for success and growth in the modern workplace.
What do we mean by creative thinking?
Creative thinking isn’t just about artistic expression—it's a multifaceted process that involves generating novel ideas, making unique connections, and approaching problems from unconventional angles.
It encompasses the ability to break free from traditional patterns and explore alternative solutions that are both innovative and effective.
Research underscores that creative thinking involves discovering new relationships among objects, symbols, or ideas. According to Barron (1988) and Taylor & Brown (1988), a key aspect of creative thinking is finding new solutions to specific problems. Creative individuals often exhibit a sense of independence, characterized by competitive and dominant behaviors in their interactions. They tend to be boldly self-expressive, venturesome, and open to new ideas and experiences. This openness and imaginative nature make them "idea-oriented," meaning they not only generate new ideas but also have the initiative and resourcefulness to implement them.
Creative thinking, therefore, involves unconventional thinking and actions, going beyond routine tasks. This concept is supported by ElMelegy et al. (2016) who highlight that creative thinking encompasses both the generation of innovative ideas and the ability to take action on them, reflecting a willingness to challenge norms and explore novel approaches.
The Power of Creative Thinking
Creative thinking is a cornerstone of success in today's dynamic world, crucial not only for individual growth but also for organizational excellence. Its importance spans across various domains, making it an indispensable skill in both personal and professional spheres.
Driving Innovation: It fuels the development of new products, services, and processes that differentiate organizations in competitive markets. In the realm of innovation management, creativity is essential for fostering a culture that encourages continuous improvement and breakthrough ideas, ensuring that businesses remain at the forefront of their industries.
Enhancing Problem-Solving: Complex challenges require more than conventional solutions. Creative thinking enables individuals to approach problems from fresh perspectives, leading to innovative and effective outcomes. This is particularly vital in entrepreneurship, where the ability to think creatively can be the difference between success and failure, allowing entrepreneurs to identify unique opportunities and navigate the uncertainties of starting and growing a business.
Adapting to Change: In an ever-evolving landscape, creative thinking equips both individuals and organizations with the flexibility to adapt. It turns challenges into opportunities, enabling businesses to pivot and thrive in the face of change. Entrepreneurs, in particular, rely on creative thinking to develop agile strategies that keep their ventures resilient and competitive.
Fostering Personal Growth: On a personal level, creative thinking broadens individuals’ horizons, encouraging continuous learning and curiosity. It empowers them to explore new ideas and perspectives, contributing to personal fulfillment and growth.
Boosting Engagement and Motivation When creative thinking is encouraged, individuals feel more engaged and motivated. This leads to higher job satisfaction, increased productivity, and a more vibrant, innovative workplace.
By embracing and nurturing this skill, both individuals and organizations can open the door to endless possibilities, overcome obstacles with ingenuity, and build a foundation for long-term success and growth.
What does the Creative Thinking Indicator look like?
The Creative Thinking Indicator will be presented on your account as you see in the image below and you will be able to assess whether a candidate exhibits the Learning scores needed for success.
Remember that there is no need for the candidates to undertake any additional assessment in order for you to have access to the Resilience Indicator.
Click here for instructions on how to add Indicators to your assessments.
Of course, in case you need any further information or guidance we are always happy to help!
Creative Thinking Interview Questions:
A few interview questions that will be helpful for you during your interview.
Tell me about a project where you had to think outside the box to achieve your goals. What challenges did you face? How did your creative thinking contribute to the project’s success?
Describe a situation where a conventional approach failed, and you had to find an alternative solution. What steps did you take to develop this alternative solution?
Describe a time when you took a risk by trying something new at work. What inspired you to take that risk? How did it turn out?
How do you handle situations where there are no clear answers or traditional solutions?
Can you describe a time when you had to come up with a creative solution to a difficult problem? How did you approach the problem? What was the outcome?
References
Barron, F. (1988). Putting creativity to work. In R. J. Sternberg (Ed.) The nature of creativity: Contemporary psychological perspectives. (pp. 76-98). Cambridge, MA: Cambridge University Press.
Elmelegy, A. R., Mohiuddin, Q., Boronico, J., Maasher, A. A. 2016: Fostering Creativity in Creative Environments: An Empirical Study of Saudi Architectural Firms. Contemporary Management Research, Vol.12, No.1, 89-120.
Taylor, S. E., & Brown, J. D. (1988). Positive illusions: Creative self-deception and the healthy mind. New York, NY: Wiley and Sons.
Witasari, J., & Gustomo, A. (2020). Understanding the effect of human capital management practices, psychological capital, and employee engagement to employee performances. The Asian Journal of Technology Management (AJTM), 13(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.12695/ajtm.2020.13.1.1