I suspect all of us have asked the question: “Who am I?” And yet, in life many times others define us and we may tend to go along with their opinion in order to fit-in. We would rather than run the risk of losing who we are rather than answer the question: “Who Am I?”
The richness of life lies in the fact that we are indeed all different and it is important to cherish our individual uniqueness, to value differences, while at the same time share our similarities while staying true to ourselves and being at peace with our own identity.
Throughout life, we are taught to behave and act appropriately by our parents and loved ones. This helps us to navigate the behavioral norms and stay between the white lines.
My concern lies in the fact that in our rush to be accepted, we may lose our individuality and comply in order to get by, thus short changing ourselves. It is okay to like ourselves.
Organizations will ask me to recruit new talent with fresh ideas and a passion for creativity, but the company culture is not open to change and the new employees are encouraged to comply with “company norms,” which of course destroys morale and enthusiasm. Policies and procedures are important but should not get in the way of progress and inventing the future!
In some companies command and control may be in the order of the day! Everyone is expected to conform to this mold, which dampens employee enthusiasm and passion to make improvements.
The challenge we all face is to be true to who we really are in a world that strives each day to make us something else. Differences are to be celebrated and seen as a strength! For organizations and society to change, we all need drive and positive change each day. We need to color with bright crayons and never stop pursuing our dreams!
It has been proven that children are the most creative people — however, the educational system demands that they conform. A fact we have all experienced. Have you ever questioned a corporate decision only to be looked upon as someone who is not a team player or worse, an outcast? This is an event that damages morale and self-esteem.
By taking a stand with fact, conviction, gut feeling and a true concern for the good of the cause, we open the door for others to unleash their feelings and ideas. We become a true source of inspiration.
Yes, truth tellers may get mud on their feet, but true leaders will respect the person who knows who he or she is, and will seek them out. We are in fact more powerful when we are authentically ourselves, when we are in the “zone!”
“Criticism is something you can easily avoid by saying nothing, doing nothing and being nothing.” – Aristotle
At a very early age, we are taught to “fit-in” at home, school and when we join organizations. When we dare to be different (ourselves), many times we feel the pain of rejection and it hurts. Creativity and challenging the system requires the ability to survive the pressure to conform and to be impervious to organizational and social pressures.
To be who we really are is of course a choice. Most human beings truly want to satisfy others, which is a good trait. However, creativity may cause others to become uncomfortable. Likewise, to live creatively is a choice and requires endurance and character. The bigger and better the idea, the more resistance one could encounter.
Ponder the question: Is hiring creative people counter-intuitive to your company’s culture? Would your company hire the next Bill Gates, Steve Woznink or Mark Zuckerberg? Do you really value differences in people?
At a very early age, we all learn to color inside the lines. But, I submit the answers and creativity to address today’s issues and problems may lie outside the lines.
Does your company strategic plan and goals for 2015 include the pursuit (with passion) of creative ideas? Is it ok to express different and new ideas in your staff meetings? Creative vision and company cultures that are anchored in innovation are the keys to success in the 21st Century.
We all tend to get caught up in the latest trends. Our mission is to focus on what the industry needs tomorrow and into the future. Conformity for the sake of the status quo kills motivation, work ethic and the next great idea.
It’s important for an organization’s culture to clearly demonstrate support for leaders and employees at all levels of the company who are willing to dare greatly and to encourage honest and open conversations. The key is to nurture a culture that rewards exploration and the development of an open mindset.
Beware of the negative posse. You know who they are! They tend to communicate in negative tones and thus undermine creative thinking. Coach pessimistic employees/leaders and encourage them to see the long-term picture and to change!
Think about this quote: “And these who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” – Nietzsche
Creativity does not happen by accident at Google – it is the very fiber of the company. One of the dangers all organizations face is in the quest for predictability and stability can be the enemy of creative thought.
As we live each day, let us contemplate what Judy Garland said, “Be a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else.”
I believe that creativity can be a strategic power within a company. Think about Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. and Steve Jobs, all of whom had the ability to see solutions that others overlooked.
Set aside time each day for creative exploration. Blend this concept into your meetings, then stand back and listen. Watch the magic happen!
