Are You Using Your Creativity to Inspire?

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Creative Leadership isn’t just a buzz phrase. It’s a way of life. Finding innovative solutions to old problems. Defining new processes no one has even considered. You – creative person – could change the course of an organization for the better!

Yeah right. I’m not in upper management in my company or on the board of my special interest organization. They won’t listen to me.

As in any situation, there’s a right way and a wrong way to present an idea. I’ll let you in on a little secret. Not everyone can see what you see. You’d be surprised how many folks out there have let their imaginations dwindle due to lack of use. The “We’ve always done it this way” mentality is easier. It’s safer. Most people hate change. It scares the hell out of them.

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Umbrella in mass of black umbrellas. Adobe Stock

Here are some tips when presenting an idea to the skittish establishment:

Present your idea along with the benefits (what’s in it for them: time saved, money saved, etc.) to the company or organization
Show the research you’ve done to prove it is a feasible idea
Help them to see what you’re talking about by including Powerpoint presentations or other visual aids
Be patient if they aren’t immediately “wowed” by your idea. You must build trust first.
Stick with it! Large organizations don’t change quickly. It takes time to turn a huge ship.

Final thoughts: Coffee shop conversations are littered with “I just want to write books, play my music, do my art, etc.” I know I’ve said it too when I’m frustrated. However, we are more than our art. We have the power to inspire change and hope (desperately needed in these times). My challenge to you – Look around you in the day job or organization. Do you see any way you can help to inspire change? Is there an opportunity to encourage growth and bring a little positive light into the situation? If your answer’s “No”, then you are in the wrong job! Go find a place where you can make a difference. The world needs your gift.