Psychology of Creativity

Neurology is intertwined with creativity and how it works within the brain. There is research to show that those who are creative use the three brain systems of neural networks: the default/imagination network, the salience network and the executive network. The salience network is a large-scale neuro network located deep within the brain. It is in charge of complex functions, such as social behavior, communication and self-awareness. This system plays a role in motivation and readiness to act to stimuli. The default mode is one that works when we are in our resting state. For example, when we daydream or thinking about a memory we use this part of our brain. It’s what creates simulations of possible scenarios and is also used for social cognition. Lastly, the executive network is one that monitors and resolve conflicts between thoughts, feelings and responses. This is the part of the brain that is used when someone is focusing intensely on a challenging task. Forging new creative connections in the brain are tied to certain personality traits of creative people. These include, but aren’t limited to, openness to new experiences, curiosity, positivity, high energy and persistence.

It has been said in the past that people who are creative are dominant right brained. However, this is a myth. As you noticed we talk about neuro networks above and whole brain functions. Each side of the brain is not separate from the other, especially when it comes to creativity, according to Anna Abraham. She also talks about the importance of the frontal lobe with involvement in creative ideation in an interview with Scientific American. Different parts of the brain will be involved in different parts of the creative process, hence the dynamic nature between neural networks. Study of the brain during the creative process is still in earlier stages. Much more research will be done in the coming years and we look forward to seeing what they find.

Creativity Series: Osborn Parnes Creative Problem-Solving Process

You want to stand out from everyone else in the workplace to show your value as an employee. What better way to do this than through creative problem solving!? This week in our creativity series we will be going over the Osborn Parnes creative problem-solving process. It can provide a structural approach to finding resolutions and can result in multiple solutions to your problems. His model is structured as such:

1.     Mess-finding/objective finding: this where you determine the goal of your problem solving will be.

2.     Fact-finding: this phase you gather data to fully understand your problem.

3.     Problem-finding: you dig deeper here into the problem to find the root of it. Here you also reframe the problem to compose creative and valuable solutions.

4.     Idea-finding: this is where the team come up with options for addressing the problem.

5.     Solution-finding:  this part is where you choose the best options from the ideas phase.

6.     Action-finding: this is where you develop a plan of action to implement the solution you have come up with.

This process involves convergent and divergent thinking. Convergent thinking is the process of evaluating ideas, analyzing them and then choosing the best solution. Divergent thinking is the process of coming up with multiple solutions and ideas to problems. This is the “out of the box” style of thinking that one may think of when talking about creative thinking. Convergent thinking compliments divergent to come up with more creative solutions. Using this problem-solving process can give you some extra tools to create solutions in the workplace. You will stand out as a thought leader who knows how to collaborate with others. This will do wonders for your professional reputation.

Importance of Creative Thinking in Business

Brands that embrace creativity are more innovative and resilient. Creative thinking is important in all fields, not just those of art. As we’ve learned from our past articles, we know that creativity is key for all types of business to strive and grow. It allows employees to think outside the box and come up with new solutions. This can create something new from different perspectives. Aside from this there are some key benefits to creative thinking in the workplace. Here are our top picks.

1.     Fosters innovation. Outside the box thinking will bring your brand forward with new ideas. You can end up with unexpected opportunities and solutions.

2.     Improves collaboration. Bouncing ideas off of one another lends to open-mindedness. They will have to work together with flexibility in mind and hone in on their listening skills. This improved collaboration will inherently happen through creative thinking at the workplace.

3.     Increase productivity. Using your creative mind and critical thinking mind allows you to work smarter, not harder.

4.     Allows for adaptability. When you have a creative environment at work, it allows your brand and those within it to be more flexible in terms of shifting when unexpected changes happen or need to be made. 

5.     Growth necessity. We talked about the learn-it-all mindset for growth and have a creative mind at work is no different. Listening to new ideas and learning from others will help your brand grow.

Creativity isn’t limited to the art world. It’s required in all businesses for problem solving. One method of creative problem solving is called the SCAMPER method.

Substitute: What can I substitute to improve product/service?

Combine: How can I combine this product/service with something else to improve?

Adapt: How can I adapt this product/service?

Modify: Can I modify to make better?

Put to Another Use: How else could this be used?

Eliminate: What can I remove or how can I remove costs?

Reverse or Rearrange: Can I rearrange to improve?

There are immense amounts of topics and subjects within business that are perfect for the creative mind. New ideas in any department will make a difference. Thinking differently will open your mind to explore new realms of opportunity. Time to get creative!