The 6 Myths Of Creativity

Fast Company | The 6 Myths Of Creativity

I'm not a big fan of Fast Company, but this is a good article, based on solid science, on creativity.

To summarize - none of these six assumptions helps creativity:


1. Creativity Comes From Creative Types - what is a 'creative type' anyway. Some of the most creative individuals I know are geeky engineers.

2. Money Is a Creativity Motivator - to a point more money makes it easier to be a nice guy. When you don't worry about your bills, it gives you freedom. However, I'm not more creative just because someone is going to pay me for a creative idea. The thrill of solving problems (real, or perceived) is my biggest motivator.

3. Time Pressure Fuels Creativity - I learned this in college (all ten years) - all-nighters are counter productive. Getting a good nights sleep or walking away from a problem often leads to the breakthrough ideas.

4. Fear Forces Breakthroughs - I never understood this one. If you threaten me, I will stop working, much less come up with a creative solution. Maybe its just me, but I don't see this working, ever. Never ever.

5. Competition Beats Collaboration - Less obvious, but within a group, I feel your always best sharing all your ideas. It spurs innovation in others because your idea might trigger something for them to come up with a better solution.

6. A Streamlined Organization Is a Creative Organization - they mean downsizing, not streamlining. When you downsize, it really chews up moral, which goes back to #2 - if I'm worried about my job and paying the bills, I'm not going to be creative.