Creativity is the future business skill. Why? As we rely more on machines to make decisions, humans will need to supply what machines cannot: Creativity.
Think of the last art show you went to or movie you watched. Yes, these bursts of creativity can follow a structured formula, script and curated plan, however, there is a special something that these creative outlets offer that learned ‘ones and zeros’ could never replicate.
It is the story that they tell. And when it comes to business, creativity, in particular storytelling, allows for deeper connections to be forged, for needs to be met and for specific elements to combine that tap into feeling – excited, sad, angry or otherwise.
Creative storytelling is the most powerful form of communication ever invented. Whether it’s the latest masterpiece, Hollywood blockbuster, or a team or investor presentation, stories provoke our emotions.
Our stories are made up of a collection of experiences, who we are, and what we have learned, and these combined are what lead us to have more meaningful and memorable connections.
So, how can you use creativity to get ahead in business?
In the 2016 World Economic Forum, creativity, as a skill set, moved from number 10 in 2015 to number three in 2020.
Leaders must learn not to stifle creativity, allow time for experimentation and resource the ability to problem-solve through curiosity, imagination, innovation and expression of ideas. Utilising lived experience and sharing this with our fellow man/woman is what gives humans the competitive advantage.
Once more with feeling
Up to 90% of the thousands of decisions we make each day fall beneath our level of awareness and are reinforced through feelings and emotions. Yet for too long we have been told that there is no room for emotion in business. It is simply untrue.
The human to human connection is now more powerful than ever and to get ahead and be noticed, we must employ our competitive edge, creativity. For us to persuade, sell, inspire and lead, we need appeal to the desired audience through our ideas, expression and via shared/relatable experiences – the cornerstones to emotional and creative storytelling.
Hit them with ‘FOMO’
To get ahead in business, we need to consider our influence. We can’t rely solely on facts and figures to sell our idea or motivate others – we need to carefully and creatively balance logic and emotion.
We do this by providing clear and achievable goals peppered with our point of view that, most importantly, appeal to their fear of missing out. What happens if they don’t buy into your idea? What is at stake if they don’t adopt what you have to offer?
Science has proven that we make up our minds based on emotions and how we feel about something and in business we can use this to our advantage.
Be solutions focused
Creatively problem solving is one of the most important skills that will help you get ahead. Solving problems creatively relies on being able to identify what it is that you offer that improves a situation.
What is it that you provide that no-one else can? What is your USP? What is it that you can provide that identifies and addresses a potential pain point for people?
Creative problem-solving, always involves creativity. Creativity in business doesn’t always address something labelled as a problem, but it always relates to a need. Inventions are a perfect example of creative problem-solving. Identifying an opportunity, coming up with a solution and then showcasing its value to the world. By being able to creatively identify and communicate your unique offering, you will be ahead in no time.