Creativity Unappreciated?

Today’s post was inspired by a comment on our Facebook page.  The essence of the comment was that creativity though appreciated by business in general is something that in the long run is not deemed useful.  This was a perception that was saddening to our valued page member and saddens me as well.

The whole discussion was kicked off by a post by Danny Brown entitled “The Power of Ideas”.  Within the post you will find an amazing video that I encourage you to check out.  The premise behind creativity being unappreciated is simply staggering to me.  Earlier this year I wrote a post entitled “Inspire Creativity- Don’t Rap My Knuckles”.  I want to reiterate the concluding comments: “Dictator type policies and procedures will only cool the enthusiasm your team has and may sway them towards other opportunities where they can express themselves and receive creative fulfillment for the effort they put forth.”

I am really having a hard time understanding how creativity within an employee could not be considered something of value to your team in the long run.  Maybe you can enlighten me one way or another in the comments below.  You may not be able to quantify dollars and cents on a ROI sheet by allowing your team to be expressive.  Hold on a second, maybe you can.  How do you think allowing creativity helps lower employee turnover and increase productivity?

Will it–

Give your team a sense of satisfaction by being allowed to express themselves?

Encourage your team to think outside of the normal drone like approach to doing business?

Empower your team to test the waters of opportunities to wow your residents even at the expense of possible failure?

Give your team a sense of responsibility and pride about who they are, the company they represent and the residents they serve?

Allow your team to be part of the process of their career path and help them reach out and aim higher?

Operating a business is much more than checks and balances, pluses and minuses, expenses and income.  A business functions because of the people we employ and encourage.  Pure talent is a hot commodity for any business that is looking to move to the next level.  How are you identifying talent and inspiring creativity in your company?  I would love your thoughts below in the comment section.

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