For example, the Kodak Company broke up because it refused to produce a digital camera. However, as a result, film became obsolete and the digital camera flooded the world.
Well, even though there is no clear strategy, we can name more than one successful creative leader. Think of Disney or Steven Jobs. They allowed creativity to take over the work processes within the company. So how to be a creative leader by activating your creativity and leadership to the fullest?
1. Develop your imagination with different techniques
If you've ever taken a leadership class, you've spent tons of time doing various activities like “name three positive P-words” or “make up a story.” Moreover, while many may not realize it, developing critical thinking through games doesn't just work when you're a toddler.
For example, you can use storytelling to learn how to communicate information to your subordinates in a quality and interesting way. Learn how to tell information in a way that makes people listen. Perhaps you could even take a public speaking course! But if you have to do it at home, try telling stories to your nephews. Use this technique in your creative leadership: learn to change intonation, stick to a clear structure, and bring the tension to a peak at the climax.
2. Embrace a growth mindset to become the better version of yourself
There are two types of mindsets: fixed mindset vs. growth mindset. People with a fixed mindset do not strive for development and always stay at the same level where they are now. Without success, such people begin to despise others for their success. As a result, they achieve nothing and remain captive to their inner demons.
On the other hand, a growth mindset allows you to constantly evolve, seek new perspectives, and learn new things. You should emphasize this mindset as you try to break out of your shell, explore, and become better. To do this more effectively, strive to get feedback, constantly introspect, and seek new ideas. Read more about it in the summary “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.”
3. Determine your company’s goal
Find a common goal for your team and make sure that all your colleagues are striving for the same. When everyone on the team knows what they are working for, that is half the success. The other half of success is working actively and enthusiastically toward that goal. Everyone should be just as excited as you are. However, this means that, as a leader, you must not let the fire within your group go out.
Your goal cannot just work to work. Now, you are working for the end result. Set a specific goal for yourself, like “double your profits by the end of the quarter.” Use SMART-analyses to make it the most available to fulfill. Turn this goal into motivation that will drive your colleagues. You can learn more about it in “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek.
4. Allow your colleagues to be creative in the workplace
When it comes to creativity, it is important not only to remain a creative leader but also to allow your colleagues' leadership skills and managerial creativity to develop at the same rate. For example, you might allow them to use 20% of their daily work time on their own creative ideas. You may think this is too much, and your company will suffer as a result, but within a month, your company will be bursting with new ideas and plans.
If your team doesn't understand the task of “being creative” for an hour, you can start simply. Give them less time, like half an hour, and some philosophical task. Have everyone think about what they would do to get out of that situation. Finally, you will develop your coworkers' critical thinking and their willingness to be creative.
5. Do not speed up till you fall
Striving for the best is good, but never exhaust yourself and your team to the point of no return. Money, achievement, and success will never be as important as your physical and mental health. In the 80s in Japan, many companies followed a “cult of productivity” strategy to get out of the recession. However, this greatly increased the suicide rate among young people, and happiness and fertility rates went down. Today, young people in Japan are not looking to get married and create a new generation – they just don't have the time.
To avoid facing the same problem, you must realize that health can never be bought. Go for your goal in moderation, but still be inspired. After every stressful project, give your subordinates some rest and recovery time. If you want to find out more about maintaining a healthy plan, you can read “The Drive” book.
6. Go out and learn how other people do it
Don't limit yourself to your company by closing yourself into a bubble. Allow yourself to participate in various conferences, training, and inter-company brunches. Send your employees there as well, whether they are accountants or PR managers. Allow them and yourself to get the most exposure and information you can use to benefit your company. However, don't forget to be careful of your competitors!
Your path as a creative leader will be much easier than that of a conservative leader. A willingness to learn new things, a growth mindset, and an open mind will definitely allow you to see more perspectives and opportunities. Maintain a healthy lifestyle both mentally and physically. A company will fail if its leader is falling apart from within.
Remember that your team is your backbone. But you should also be a pillar for all those people. Set an example for them by being the epitome of creativity and optimism. With a good working environment, your team will flourish, and your business will thrive.
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