Creativity may not be the skill that most leaders will prioritise learning, but it’s one that can definitely set them up for success.
In fact, Entrepreneur points out 14% of companies that invest in skills that prioritise ideas and innovations are more likely to outperform their competition — even through recessions and economic downturns. Unfortunately, most leaders confine creativity to the arts, not realising that this skill can be utilised in various industries.
If you want your organisation to be resilient amidst challenges, here’s what you need to know about creative leadership:
Understanding the Concept of Creative Leadership
There are a lot of competencies that leaders must possess. But unfortunately, creativity has become one of the most overlooked leadership styles.
While this term has been around since the mid-50s, LHH clarifies that creativity's omission from leadership models has been because nobody could agree on a single definition. This is because creative leadership is a dynamic model that encourages heads to become curious, flexible, well-balanced, and intuitive. As a result, creative leaders are able to foster an environment where employees are innovative because they serve as the very source of new ideas within their organisations.
"Creative leaders are able to foster an environment where employees are innovative."
How Can You Be the Creative Leader That Your Employees Need?
Get comfortable with risks
Risks fuel innovation. So if you want to be a creative leader, you’ll need to learn how to adjust accordingly to each challenge that comes your way.
As Other’s executive creative leader and co-founder, it’s no surprise that Kyle Harman-Turner prizes flexibility. Recognizing that the advertising industry is killing creativity, Harman-Turner sparked a change within his organization by providing employees with channels for their own creativity. In return, the organization is rewarded with creatives who are happy to provide innovative ideas for each client. This also ignites change within their clients, who are willing to go the extra mile in spite of the pandemic.
Master the art of balancing
Creative leaders thrive amidst change because they are able to balance the competencies needed in each situation. They know that too much of one thing can be detrimental, which is why they try to find the right mix for their tasks.
Leadership itself is one big task, which is why our article entitled "To Be Loved or Feared- Which is Better?" emphasizes that creative leaders must strike a balance when it comes to this responsibility. You need to evaluate the current state of the company to assess what your employees may need from you. With a balanced approach, your organisation can get the best of both worlds.
Trust your gut in decision-making
Most leaders would rely on logic when it comes to decision-making. However, creative leaders deviate from this norm by going with their gut feelings.
While it may seem risky and dangerous, the Harvard Business Review states that intuitive thoughts are a quick analysis of your knowledge and experience. So rather than being consumed by time-intensive data analysis, you can rely on what you know to make quick and clear decisions. Even Bill Gates has stated that you often have to rely on your intuition, and that approach has certainly worked to Microsoft's benefit.
Although many do not practice creative leadership, you can be assured that the best leaders certainly harness this particular competency. Try to cultivate this recipe for success, and you'll find you can inspire your employees and maintain stability in times of crises.
Written by Rayna Jeffers
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