Creativity is considered as something elusive that only a few people are blessed with like artists, writers, and inventors, etc. However, studies have found that creativity is not
Creativity is considered as something elusive that only a few people are blessed with like artists, writers, and inventors, etc. However, studies have found that creativity is not only an instinct, but it is an art that can be developed and improved using different techniques and practices. This blog will discuss the science of creativity, the psychology underlying creative thinking and practical skills which can be used to arouse creative thinking in groups and individuals.
Creativity may be characterized as the capacity of coming up with new ideas, concepts, or solutions that are original and helpful. It includes seeing the problems in other perspectives, establishing links between what appear to be unrelated ideas, and coming up with unusual ways of tackling an issue. Creativity is not restricted to artistic activities, it is vital to science, business, technology, and daily solution of problems.
The creative processes lie in different psychological processes. Studies carried out in the field of cognitive psychology indicate that creative thinking encompasses a number of cognitive processes and they are:
Divergent Thinking: It is the capacity of producing more than one solution to a problem. Divergent thinking promotes brainstorming and exploration of different possibilities without the need to evaluate whether they are feasible or not.
Convergent Thinking: In contrast, convergent thinking is an ability that involves reducing several ideas into one and effective solution. It involves critical thinking and analytical ability to criticize and pick the most appropriate option.
Associative Thinking: This is the procedure of linking various ideas or thoughts. Associative thinking is inherent to creativity because it enables people to integrate the existing knowledge in new ways.
Metacognition: This can be defined as the awareness of self thinking. The metacognitive skills help people to meditate on their creative process and understand their obstacles and modify their strategies.
Default Mode Network (DMN): The DMN is a brain network that becomes active as the mind rests and the person is in the spontaneous thoughts either daydreaming or imagining something. This network is linked with innovative thinking and brainstorming.
Executive Functioning: It is important to note that the prefrontal cortex controls the processes of higher-order cognition, including decision-making and problem-solving, the processes that affect convergent thinking. It assists in judging and perfecting creative ideas with making sure that they are viable and can be acted upon.
Neurotransmitters: Neurochemicals, such as dopamine and serotonin, determine creativity in terms of mood and drive. The increased amounts of dopamine correspond to the risk taking and willingness to experience more of the world, both of which are crucial in creative thinking.
At this point, we have an initial background of what creativity means, so we shall take an examination of some of the methods that can be used to inspire innovative thinking. Such methods can be used in several situations, such as self- growth, group brainstorming, and organisational innovations.
Summary: Brainstorming is a legendary methodology that promotes the idea generation in a group. The aim is that of generating an immense number of ideas without being judgmental or critical.
Pros: Brainstorming is associated with collaboration, using different viewpoints, and providing an environment where creativity thrives.
Description Mind mapping is a visual aid that aids to organize thoughts and ideas. It entails the development of a diagram that relates ideas that are related and as such it is possible to have a clear picture of the way ideas are connected.
Advantages: Mind mapping improves associative thinking, facilitates the visualization of relationships among ideas as well as may lead to discovery of new things by the process of exploration.
Overview: Fear of failure can stifle creativity. Embracing failure as a learning opportunity can liberate individuals and teams to take risks and explore unconventional ideas.
Benefits: Embracing failure fosters resilience, encourages risk-taking, and ultimately leads to more innovative outcomes.
Collaboration is a vital force for creativity. When people come together from mixed experiences and backgrounds, they create a pool of varied perspectives, experiences, and skills that generate new ideas. Here are a few examples of how we can cultivate collaborative creativity:
Diverse Teams: Establish teams of people from varying disciplines and backgrounds. Diverse teams allow for different perspectives to be included that can create an even richer set of ideas and solutions.
Open Communication: Foster an environment in which team members feel safe to openly share their thoughts and ideas with no fear of being condemned.
Collaborative Tools: Utilize digital collaboration tools to share ideas and feedback, as well as to support the project management process. Collaboration tools such as Miro, Trello, or Slack can enhance communication across team members and introduce efficiencies into the creative process.
Organized Workshops: Organize workshops that intentionally target specific creative techniques and build in the time for teams to practice that technique and discuss the ideas generated in the workshop collectively.
Creativity in the modern world is an essential skill set since innovation is key to success personally and professionally. By having a more profound awareness of the science behind creativity and by using creative techniques, both you and your organization can promote creative thinking and release creativity. From brainstorming to mind mapping, to building a creative family, building creativeness will take us on a journey to new and exceptional outcomes.
