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)