Eight Myths About Creativity and Innovation

Eight Myths About Creativity and Innovation

Myth: Some Folks Have a Creative Gene, and Some Folks Don'tMyth: Some Folks Have a Creative Gene, and Some Folks Don’t

Reality: Creativity isn’t a gift bestowed upon the fortunate few. Everyone is capable of contributing to a good idea.

2-Myth: If Innovation isn't Happening, Just Wait for a “Eureka!Myth: If Innovation isn’t Happening, Just Wait for a “Eureka!” Moment

Realty: Sorry, but winning concepts are built through hard work over time.

3-Myth: You Can Motivate Employees to Think Inventively Through Various Myth: You Can Motivate Employees to Think Inventively Through Various “Perks” and Rewards

Reality: Extrinsic tools generally do not produce impactful thinking.

4-Myth: Brainstorming Sessions Always Generate Great IdeasMyth: Brainstorming Sessions Always Generate Great Ideas

Reality: While brainstorming has its place, especially for collaboration, it’s unrealistic to think that you can come up with something novel during one 60-minute group session.

5-Myth: Dazzling Creativity Only Happens When Teams are Unleashed to Pursue ItMyth: Dazzling Creativity Only Happens When Teams are Unleashed to Pursue It

Reality: All innovative initiatives must be checked by reasonable constraints, such as deadlines, market realities and stakeholder expectations.

6-Myth: You Have to Bring in Experts to Nail a BreakthroughMyth: You Have to Bring in Experts to Nail a Breakthrough

Reality: No, it’s more effective to gain from the insights of those with a genuine connection to a strategic need, as opposed to a self-designated expert whom you pay to whip up a flimsy theory.

7-Myth: All Great Concepts Are Original ThoughtsMyth: All Great Concepts Are Original Thoughts

Reality: They’re rarely exclusively unique to themselves. Remember that the Beatles were heavily influenced by the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds while recording Sgt. Pepper.

8-Myth: Fabulous Creations are Instantly Recognized as SuchMyth: Fabulous Creations are Instantly Recognized as Such

Reality: Actually, they’re rarely celebrated at first. Which means your organization needs to give them time and support to gain traction.

Dennis McCafferty
Dennis McCafferty
Dennis McCafferty is a contributor to CIO Insight. He covers topics such as IT leadership, IT strategy, collaboration, and IT for businesses.

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