4 Measures of Creativity

What are the measures of creativity and how do we know if a person is creative? According to Ellis Paul Torrance (8^th October 1915 – 12 July 2003), also known as ‘The Creativity Man’, there are four measures of creativity: originality, fluency, flexibility, and elaboration.

Originality is the ability to come out with new ideas. Artists produce original works of art, composers produce original music pieces, poets write original poems, investors come out with original inventions and students come out with original essays. Even teachers do write original testimonials and reports.

Fluency is the ability to come out with lots of ideas whereas flexibility is the ability to produce lots of different kinds of ideas. A fluently creative person can produce hundreds of ideas, for example, on how to make money, on the uses of a paper-clip and on designing a dress. With flexibility not only can he think of ideas of the same kind but ideas of many different kinds.

As illustration, fluency in thinking of ways to get money include ideas such as selling books, magazines, toys, cakes, drinks, flowers, bookmarkers, stamps, coins, etc. Flexibility in thinking of ways to get money would include not only selling all the items above but also exchanging the items, making various items of sale, working for money, borrowing money, getting sponsors, soliciting donations, organizing a fiesta, jogathon, walkathon, etc.

 Elaboration is the ability to get into fine and minute details as in drawing things in detail, describing incidents at length and in explaining ideas and concepts in depth. A person who possesses all four skills is more creative than one who does any one, two or three of the skills of creativity. Do you have all four skills? If not, don’t be discouraged. Remember: creativity is a talent we are all born with and it is also can be learned and developed overtime. You are creative!

Lord, Give Us Today Our Daily Idea(s)

Creativity is an Attitude!

            

Creativity is more than knowledge and is also more than an ability. It is an attitude. People are born with creative ability and most people possess adequate knowledge but because they think they are not creative and hence true to the rule of self-fulfilling prophesy, they become not creative. The second obstacle is society’s attitude. Society tends to ridicule those who are different – not only those who behave differently but those who think differently. Different is assumed to be abnormal.

Creative people do not toe the line. They are independent thinkers. They are not worried to what others think. History is full of ‘eccentric’ thinkers and inventors who not only think differently (and hence discover new theories) but they behave differently too, as seen in their dressing and demeanour (perangai, tabiat, kelakuan, tingkah laku), for instant. Can you picture Albert Einstein with his trademark shaggy hair? Or A. Samad Said without his shaggy beard and moustache?

Creativity is more than knowledge. It is an attitude. Many people possess the knowledge, but they dare not translate it into action in the form of inventions or innovations due to the variety of factors, one of which is the fear of failure. Failure to attempt, people say, is worse that actually failing. We learn after a failure. We learn nothing if we did not even attempt it. People, in general, also fear being laughed at. They have an idea but they dare not articulate it in case people laugh at them (People laughed at my ideas so often that I tend to take it as pre-congratulations).

Creative people are risk-takers; to them, failure is taken as a learning experience. Their first article writing maybe a disaster but they will push on, knowing that mistake or failure is the first step towards success. Creative people are also very persevering. They will keep on trying until they succeed. Creative people are independent, humorous and may appear eccentric but they are all there. Many well-known creative people are a little different. They know that they are creative. These creative people are much better off than those who think that they are not creative when they actually are, who incidentally form the majority. Do not be part of the majority. Be the minority who knows they are creative.

Creativity require knowledge, no doubt. It is an ability.

But most important of all, creativity is an attitude!

Think creative and we will be creative. This I know.

Lord, Give Us Today Our Daily Idea(s) 

Characteristics of Creative Person

Conan O’Brien expresses himself for Fast Company’s Most Creative People issue (June 2011). 

This is funny!

Creative people are idealistic, energetic, confident, independent, thorough, adventurous, child-like, possesses a sense of humour, are perseverance and spontaneous and are risk-takers. Do you possess any one (or more) of these characteristic? If you do, then you are a creative person.

Creative people are independent thinkers. They can work by themselves and are not afraid of what people may say. They transcend accepted patterns of thinking. They do not conform to rules and regulations that restrict their freedom to think and act. They do not follow the crowd. People who are creative are full of energy. They possess a certain characteristic zest and a habit for spontaneous action. Creativity requires energy. Energetic people have the power and stamina to create new ideas, new things and new journeys.

Creative people are more likely to engage in adventurous and stimulating acts such as kayaking, mountain climbing, going places in rural areas or working overseas. They trod the unbeaten path. They have a strong curiosity and urge to understand the world around them and to try almost everything. Hence their wide interests and unusual hobbies. A sense of self-confidence is central to creativity. One cannot create if one is not confident of one’s abilities and capabilities. Self-confidence is not only inborn but it may also be developed through experience and exercise.

People who are creative are also playful and child-like. They have no prejudices and are not tainted by adult notions of what is proper and not proper. They are still full of wonder and are not afraid of criticism and comment. They are not bound by convention. Creative people are non-conformists to some extent. A sense of humour is another attribute of creative people. Humour may lead to great discoveries, invention and artistic creation. A fanciful, playful and excitable state of mind is an important feature of creative thinking and creative thinkers. Developing the ability to see the humorous side of life is a prerequisite to creativity.

A strong sense of perseverance, persistence and unwillingness to give up is another characteristic of creative people. They do not give up so easily or so readily. They will try again and again. Each failure is viewed as a learning experience. Creative people also risk-takers. Risk is everywhere. We take risk while driving to work, while playing games and when giving an opinion. If we do not try out new ideas and take risk, how do we know it will work or not? The greatest failure is not to attempt a new idea at all. The world’s greatest inventors, discoverers and pioneers are all risk-takers. Because they have independent mind and high-confidence in themselves, they are more willing to take creative risk than the average person. They dare to differ, to make changes and to deviate from the usual.

Are the characteristics enumerated above innate or are they acquired? The answer is – both. We are born with creative characteristics and we can learn to be creative too. Creative abilities exist in varying degrees in everyone of us. It is a matter of getting these abilities to surface and make them work for you. Creativity is within every one of us. It not the exclusive possession of a select few*.

Lord, Give Us Today Our Daily Idea(s)

*These characteristic are taken from Leo Ann Mean’s On Creativity: Awaken the Creative Mind (Chapter 2: Creative Person). Use and modified without permission. That’s what creative people do.

Barriers of Creativity #10: "I'm Not Creative"

Creativity, like common sense, is supposed to be common. Creativity is natural and spontaneous. Yet it is not exhibited as frequently as it should. Experts believe that there are several reasons for this. These reasons are called ‘Barriers to Creativity’. ‘Barriers’ are the thing that stop us from thinking creatively and the reason that make us not as creative as we should be.

Barrier #10: “I’m Not Creative”

Thinking and believing that you are not creative is the most damaging barrier to creative thinking. It is a self-fulfilling prophesy. Believing that you are not creative make you think and behave not creative. It is a mental block. We give up even before the battle is fought.

People who think they are not creative never put themselves in a position where they could use their natural creativity. They do not allow themselves to get into an imaginative frame of mind. The creative person has the confidence and faith that his ideas will go somewhere.

We are all creative!

Lord, Give Us Today Our Daily Idea(s)

*These 10 barriers to creativity are taken from creativity expert Roger Von Oech’s A Whack on the Side of the Head: How You Can Be More Creative book. Summaries mine.

Barriers to Creativity #9: "To Err is Wrong"

Creativity, like common sense, is supposed to be common. Creativity is natural and spontaneous. Yet it is not exhibited as frequently as it should. Experts believe that there are several reasons for this. These reasons are called ‘Barriers to Creativity’. ‘Barriers’ are the thing that stop us from thinking creatively and the reason that make us not as creative as we should be.

Barrier #9: “To Err is Wrong”

From a practical standpoint, ‘to err is wrong’ makes sense. (Err means ‘be mistaken’ or ‘incorrect’; ‘make a mistake’). Nevertheless too attached to that belief may undermine our ability to generate new ideas. If we are more concerned with producing the right answers rather than original ideas, then we’ll by-pas the imaginative phrase of creative process. We need to test assumptions and challenge the rules. The creative thinker realizes the potential value of errors. They are stepping-stones to new ideas.

The history of discoveries is filled with people who used erroneous assumptions and failed ideas as stepping-stones to new ideas. A large part of creative thinking is not to be afraid to err. We learn from our mistakes.

           

To err is right, sometimes.

Lord, Give Us Today Our Daily Idea(s)

*These 10 barriers to creativity are taken from creativity expert Roger Von Oech’s A Whack on the Side of the Head: How You Can Be More Creative book. Summaries mine. 

Barriers to Creativity #8: "Don't be Foolish"

This picture of Richard Branson play as AirAsia waitress really make me laugh!

Creativity, like common sense, is supposed to be common. Creativity is natural and spontaneous. Yet it is not exhibited as frequently as it should. Experts believe that there are several reasons for this. These reasons are called ‘Barriers to Creativity’. ‘Barriers’ are the thing that stop us from thinking creatively and the reason that make us not as creative as we should be.

Barrier #8: “Don’t Be Foolish”

Don’t be afraid to appear foolish. Granted that all of us are subject to group pressures but in creative situations we cannot simply follow the majority, for the majority is not always right. Furthermore new ideas are not formed in conforming environments. When in a group, people tend to get the approval of others rather than trying to come up with creative solutions or ideas. When everyone think alike, no one is doing much thinking. All we need to do is to agree.

To be creative we need to take a ‘poke’ at rules, regulations and conventions that keep us thinking the same old stuff. It will get us out of the rut and put our thinking to finding better solutions and ideas. If Christopher Columbus really believed that the world is flat, he would not have dared to attempt to sailing around the earth.

Occasionally play the fool and see what crazy ideas you may come up with. The crazy ideas, my friend, may prove to be winners!

           

Play the fool sometimes.

Lord, Give Us Today Our Daily Idea(s)

Barriers of Creativity #7: "Avoid Ambiguity"

Artistic ambiguous illusion design

Creativity, like common sense, is supposed to be common. Creativity is natural and spontaneous. Yet it is not exhibited as frequently as it should. Experts believe that there are several reasons for this. These reasons are called ‘Barriers to Creativity’. ‘Barriers’ are the thing that stop us from thinking creatively and the reason that make us not as creative as we should be.

Barrier #7: “Avoid Ambiguity”

Most of us do not like ambiguous (unclear or lack of clarity) situations. They are confusing and can cause communication problems. As a result we learn to avoid ambiguity (Personally, I am like that). This is a good rule to get your message clearly across. There are instances however, when ambiguity can be a powerful stimulus to imagination.

When in the creative process, a little ambiguity can provoke us into asking questions that will lead us to new ideas. We have to learn to look at things ambiguously. We ask questions such as “What does this mean?” and “How else can this be interpreted?” For example, the question, what is half of 8? The answer is of course 4. But if we assume the question is ambiguous, we will look for other answers such as 3 (if you slice vertically) or 0 (if you slice horizontally) depending on how we define “half.”

To be more creative we have to look for ambiguity in the world around us. I see a brick as a hammer and a ballpoint pen as a hole puncher when I need these things and there are none around.

Think ambiguously.

Lord, Give Us Today Our Daily Idea(s)

Barriers to Creativity #6: "That's Not My Area"

Creativity, like common sense, is supposed to be common. Creativity is natural and spontaneous. Yet it is not exhibited as frequently as it should. Experts believe that there are several reasons for this. These reasons are called ‘Barriers to Creativity’. ‘Barriers’ are the thing that stop us from thinking creatively and the reason that make us not as creative as we should be.

Barrier #6: “That’s Not My Area”

            Today’s world is one of specialization. Specialists are held in high regard. As a strategy for creative thinking, however, specialization spells “danger” because it leads to the attitude that says “It’s not my area.” When this happens the person not only limits himself or herself to a small area, he or she may also stop looking for ideas in other fields. In creativity, cross-references and diversities are essential. We borrow from any field that can contribute to serves the purpose. We often hear people say, “That is an admin problem” or “I’m sorry, I can’t help you because that is not my area of specialization.”

            Ideas from one field can be used to make discoveries in another. In a brainstorming session, for example, the ideas generated would be much better and wider if the group compromises people from a variety of backgrounds rather than one in which all members are specialists in one particular are. Imagine the kind of ideas we can get if we put engineer, mechanical, business and psychology students together – Wow!

   

As far as creativity concern, be a generalist.

Lord, Give Us Today Our Daily Idea(s)

Barriers to Creativity #5: "Play is Frivolous"

Creativity, like common sense, is supposed to be common. Creativity is natural and spontaneous. Yet it is not exhibited as frequently as it should. Experts believe that there are several reasons for this. These reasons are called ‘Barriers to Creativity’. ‘Barriers’ are the thing that stop us from thinking creatively and the reason that make us not as creative as we should be.

Barrier #5: “Play is Frivolous”

            A playful attitude is fundamental to creative thinking. We generate most of our ideas when we are playing in our mental playground. That is because our defenses are down, our mental locks are opened and there is little concern with rules and regulations. Play also free us from worry which is the root cause of our mental block. Unlike reality, during play – when we win we win, and when we lose we learn. (The only cost is time). Children know play is a good way to learn. Children love to play at cooking and driving. Just watch a kid playing in the school bus or at the computer. They try everything!

            We germinate ideas during play. We toy with an idea before we come up with the real product or process. Some of the most important inventions were originally conceived during play. How to nurture your creativity? Play. Play. Play.

   

Play is fine.

Lord, Give Us Today Our Daily Idea(s)

Barriers of Creativity #4: "Be Practical"

Creativity, like common sense, is supposed to be common. Creativity is natural and spontaneous. Yet it is not exhibited as frequently as it should. Experts believe that there are several reasons for this. These reasons are called ‘Barriers to Creativity’. ‘Barriers’ are the thing that stop us from thinking creatively and the reason that make us not as creative as we should be.

Barrier #4: “Be Practical”

            Remember when you suggest something and someone says it’s impractical? Kills your enthusiasm doesn’t it? Unlike any other God’s creations, human beings possess imagination. Our thinking is not limited to the real and present. We can imagine – and imagination is the first step in creative thinking.

            But the problem here is too many people always think of the practicality of things. “Your ideas”, they say, “must be practical.” And practical is what they know until then. We haven’t even tried the idea yet to see whether it works and it is already shot down. Frustrating. But creative people are perseverance and stubborn. They do not give up easily. For them, there is a place for practicality and there is a place for possibility. Remember Mr. Thomas E. Edison? He failed almost a thousand times before he finally invented the incandescent light bulb that evolves into the many type of lights that we’re using now.    

Cultivate your imagination.

Lord, Give Us Today Our Daily Idea(s)

Barriers of Creativity #3: "Follow the Rules"

Creativity, like common sense, is supposed to be common. Creativity is natural and spontaneous. Yet it is not exhibited as frequently as it should. Experts believe that there are several reasons for this. These reasons are called ‘Barriers to Creativity’. ‘Barriers’ are the thing that stop us from thinking creatively and the reason that make us not as creative as we should be.

Barrier #3: “Follow the Rules”

            There is a lot of pressure in our culture to follow the rules. ‘Do not try to be different’; ‘Do what everybody else does’; ‘Uniformity and compliance to rules make society work’; ‘Let’s do things the way they have always been done’; ‘It makes sense’; ‘Do not rock the boat’ etc.

            For creative thinking there is no virtue in doing things the way they have always been done. Creativity means doing things in new and better ways. If we keep doing things the same way we will never improve. Following the rules is a mental block, for we will always think of things as they are not as it can be. Tradition kills creativity. Challenging the rules (there is a limit however. As a Christian, I will not intentionally challenge God's Commandments) is a good creative thinking strategy. Ask these questions: Is this the only way? Is this the best way? Are there better ways?

Challenge the rules.

Lord, Give Us Today Our Daily Idea(s)

Barriers to Creativity #2: "That's Not Logical"

Creativity, like common sense, is supposed to be common. Creativity is natural and spontaneous. Yet it is not exhibited as frequently as it should. Experts believe that there are several reasons for this. These reasons are called ‘Barriers to Creativity’. ‘Barriers’ are the thing that stop us from thinking creatively and the reason that make us not as creative as we should be.

Barrier #2: “That’s Not Logical”

            Logic commands that things must be consistent and non-contradictory. While this principle must be followed faithfully in science and certain fields, in creative thinking situations, this rule need not necessarily apply. Imagination is required in problem-solving. Overemphasis on logical thinking inhibits and stagnant our thinking. If everything must be practical and correct, we leave no room for ambiguity and imagination. Furthermore we also do not give room to intuitive hunches. Intuition may have no apparent logical reason but they do help in many problem-solving situations. Sometimes we have to listen to our sixth sense or gut feelings. Logic is good when we are evaluating ideas but during stage of searching for ideas it short circuits the creative process.

Do not depend on logic alone.

Lord, Give Us Today Our Daily Idea(s)

Barriers to Creativity #1: "The Right Answer"

Creativity, like common sense, is supposed to be common. Creativity is natural and spontaneous. Yet it is not exhibited as frequently as it should. Experts believe that there are several reasons for this. These reasons are called ‘Barriers to Creativity’. ‘Barriers’ are the thing that stop us from thinking creatively and the reason that make us not as creative as we should be.

Barrier #1: “The Right Answer.”

Much of our education is geared towards finding the right answer. While it may be true for certain subjects such as mathematics, in many other areas there is no one right answer. There is no such things as the most successful business man, the best fried chickens or the most effective form of exercise and diet. It depends on what the criterion is or what context we are talking about. Life for example is ambiguous. There are many right answers. It depends on what we want and what we look for. The problem with us is that we think there is only one right answer, and we stop looking as soon as we think we have found one. Hence the death of creativity.

Always look for second (or third) right answer.

Lord, Give Us Today Our Daily Idea(s)