What is creative thinking?

What is creative thinking?

What is creative thinking and why is it important in the workplace?

Many people associate creativity with artistic activities such as writing a novel, painting a picture, or composing a song. While all of these are creative acts, not all creative thinkers are artists. Many jobs in the business and science worlds require creative thinking. Simply put, creativity means being able to come up with something new. Therefore, creative thinking is the ability to look at something (a conflict between employees, a data set, a group project) in a new way. In most industries, employers typically want employees who can think creatively and bring fresh perspectives to the workplace.

Creative people have the ability to invent new methods for performing tasks, solving problems, and responding to challenges. They bring fresh, sometimes unconventional viewpoints to their work. This way of thinking can help organizations move toward greater productivity. Some people are naturally more creative than others, but creative thinking skills can be strengthened with practice. You can develop your creative thinking skills by solving puzzles, increasing awareness, letting go of your assumptions, and through playing. Playing means anything unstructured and relaxing, like taking a walk or daydreaming.

If there is someone in your industry known for creativity, try to connect with them, request an informational interview, or spend a day shadowing them at work. Observing others’ creative approaches can help you learn how to be more creative yourself.

What is creative thinking?

Creative thinking means connecting or creating things or ideas that previously had no connection with each other. It means looking at something in a new way. This is the same as the definition of "thinking outside the box." Creative thinking is a way to examine and solve problems from a different perspective, avoid conventional solutions, and think beyond traditional boundaries. This creative process allows you to discover connections, face new challenges, and seek unusual, fundamental, and fresh solutions.

Creative thinking involves developing new and original ideas. When thinking creatively, you can invent new solutions or new ways to overcome a problem that others have not considered. Creative thinking requires a combination of analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills to evaluate and resolve an issue.

People who have developed their creative thinking skills can examine a subject from a unique perspective. Even if you don’t usually consider yourself a creative person, you can still develop specific skills that enable you to approach goals and obstacles with an innovative mindset.

Source: Faghihipour, Javad; Keshavarz, Meysam; Jannati, Hamed (2021), Creative Thinking, Tehran, Darolfonoon Publishing, First Edition.