Creativity isn't free, but it's worth investing in

Creativity is one of the basic prerequisites of successful companies today. Creativity goes hand in hand with growth. And where there's growth, there's money and the best talent. Which company wouldn't want to be the next Apple, Google or Tesla?

The problem is that it's not enough to want it. It's not enough to talk about it either. You have to take action and translate your vision of a creative business into practice. Many leaders, unfortunately, still destroy creativity in their teams and organizations. They either don't know what to do or do they know it, but lack the courage to take concrete steps.

Your business will never be creative if you think that it's enough to involve more brainstorming and place colorful furniture in your offices. You need a fundamental change of leadership in the organization, and behavior in general.

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According to the Management Today website, you should focus on three key areas.

1. A basic idea

In the corporate world, strategies are often written without any basic ideas. Creative organizations, on the other hand, are based on simple ideas that can be described in a just few words. All the decisions and actions of the company are than derived from the idea.

2. Investing in creativity

Creativity isn't free. Companies have to invest in the right people, research and development and sustainable production. Don't accept the reasoning that "there is no budget" for creativity.

If you lack funds, find them. That often only requires a shift in priorities. Stop approaching creativity as the last item on your budget list that always gets cut. Put it on the top of the list.

3. Creative genius

Most creative companies are managed by their founders who are described as brilliant visionaries and creative geniuses. Even if you're not this kind of person, you can get inspired and introduce their approach to your business.

Show your vision and insist everybody follows along. Set excessive expectations and count on occasional failures. Allow creative people to suggest things you yourself would not come up with.

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Article source Management Today - website of a UK management magazine
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