Boardroom Creativity

There is no innovation without creativity, and the faster the world changes the more innovation we need. But innovation is not the only reason creativity matters for business. We were happy to see this Harvard Business School blog on the importance of creativity listing five reasons.
As expected innovation is first on the list, but second is that it increases productivity which is less obvious. Creativity is an enabler to work smarter instead of harder, which results in improving business productivity. A third reason why creativity is important for business is that it allows for adaptability. We have all experienced how major internal and external events such as COVID and the energy crisis can disrupt organizations, and how imaginative thinking and acting are critical to keep the business going.

A fourth reason is that creativity is crucial for keeping a growth mindset and avoiding what the author calls cognitive fixedness. Cognitive fixedness is the idea that there’s only one way to interpret or approach a situation or a challenge, which is an easy trap to fall into. Business leaders are encouraged to realize that every situation is different, to stay curious, and to try out new approaches. 
The fifth, and last, reason why creativity is important is because an analysis of job-postings shows that it is an in-demand skill. Every industry has its complex challenges, and creativity is needed to come up with solutions.

How important is creativity in your business? Are you looking for creative intelligence when hiring new leaders?