{"id":1992,"date":"2022-04-28T17:25:42","date_gmt":"2022-04-28T17:25:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yvettejeal.co.uk\/?p=1992"},"modified":"2022-11-03T15:31:46","modified_gmt":"2022-11-03T15:31:46","slug":"creativity-at-work-are-we-getting-it-wrong","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yvettejeal.co.uk\/creativity-at-work-are-we-getting-it-wrong\/","title":{"rendered":"Creativity at work \u2014 Are we getting it wrong?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"1992\" class=\"elementor elementor-1992\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-6753a228 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"6753a228\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_image&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;_id&quot;:&quot;ff79fa0&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_image_tablet&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;jet_parallax_layout_image_mobile&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;jet_parallax_layout_speed&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;%&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:50,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;jet_parallax_layout_type&quot;:&quot;scroll&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_direction&quot;:null,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_fx_direction&quot;:null,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_z_index&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_x&quot;:50,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_x_tablet&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_x_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_y&quot;:50,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_y_tablet&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_y_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_size&quot;:&quot;auto&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_size_tablet&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_size_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_animation_prop&quot;:&quot;transform&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_on&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;]}]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-d7ff20c\" data-id=\"d7ff20c\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7817fdc1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7817fdc1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 25-04-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The other day, I was chatting to a friend about creativity at work. The friend is an award-winning artist \u2014 Cara Gordon. She said this:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:quote --><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><em>\u201cNothing is more stressful than being asked to come up with ideas. It paralyses the brain.<\/em>\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><!-- \/wp:quote --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>It got me thinking.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>In the business world, creativity means fresh ideas, innovation and new ways to move forward. It\u2019s crucial for success, yet many companies are inadvertently stifling creative thought.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>In this post, you\u2019ll find out how organisations can help their employees foster creative thought. It includes helpful ideas from Cara, and some fascinating insights into how our brains work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} --><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Working too hard at creativity<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Have you ever wondered why you get your best ideas cleaning the bathroom? Or in the shower?&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s all down to brain science. According to neuro transformational coach <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beaboveleadership.com\/business-directory\/890\/ann-betz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.beaboveleadership.com\/business-directory\/890\/ann-betz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">nn Betz<\/a>, our brains have two distinct neural networks:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Task Positive Network (TPN)<\/strong> \u2014 We\u2019re performing a task, actively focused on what\u2019s directly in front of us.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Default Mode Network (DMN)<\/strong> \u2014 We\u2019re at wakeful rest. It could be driving, walking, having a shower or just daydreaming.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Task mode is great for getting things done, obviously. But here\u2019s the thing:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>It may not be as effective for solving problems or creating ideas.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Our Default Network gives insight, fantastic ideas and lightbulb moments. When we\u2019re not actively thinking about a problem, our brains relax and figure it out.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>As it turns out, Cara has known this instinctively for years.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:quote --><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><em>\u201cIt\u2019s the mundane little things \u2014 painting the skirting boards, cleaning behind the fridge. I\u2019m not going to get ideas sitting in the studio, worrying about what I\u2019m going to create.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>That mundane stuff enables my brain to relax, to start making connections and associations, which is where all creativity starts.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><!-- \/wp:quote --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} --><\/p>\n<h4><strong>The problem with task mode<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Many leaders spend much of their time in Task Mode. Once they\u2019ve completed one task, it\u2019s straight on to the next one.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>At the same time, they\u2019re under pressure to come up with a steady stream of ideas. How is that going to happen? In the task-focused brain, the creativity switch is dimmed down.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>To turn the creativity switch on, people need space to sit back, disconnect, go for a walk and let Default Mode work its magic.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The business world could learn a lot from artists. Cara is in Task Mode during the painting process \u2014 even when she\u2019s in a state of flow. If she\u2019s stuck for ideas, Default Mode has to kick in.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:quote --><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><em>\u201cWhen painting, I have to make decisions about colours, form, or which tool to use. Once I get going, everything becomes instinctive. It\u2019s like riding a wave, and you stay with it until you get to the end of the waves.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>However, once I need more creative ideas, I literally have to down tools, turn the painting around, go off and do something completely different.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>So much goes on in your subconscious. If I have a problem, I\u2019ll let it rattle around for a while \u2014 in the shower, or gardening \u2014 and an idea will pop up.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><!-- \/wp:quote --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} --><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Doing vs being<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>At&nbsp; work, it&#8217;s easy to believe that constantly <em>doing<\/em> something makes us more productive. As a result, we spend most of our time beavering away in Task Mode.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Sometimes, simply <em>being<\/em>&nbsp;can bring the answers we need. For me, breakthroughs happen when I\u2019m swimming or walking on the beach. There\u2019s something about the movement and rhythm that allows thoughts to percolate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Not everyone can produce ideas sitting in front of a computer, or under pressure in a brainstorming session. Our brains are hardwired to be creative\u2026 when we\u2019re <em>not trying<\/em> to be creative.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>In the world of business, leaders would benefit from being given space to disconnect. It would allow more Default Mode time and in turn, more creative thought.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ll leave the last word to Cara.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:quote --><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><em>\u201cCreativity comes unexpectedly, when you\u2019re not looking for it.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>When I\u2019m driving, listening to Radio 4, something will just connect. It comes from the most unexpected sources, and it\u2019s random.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>It\u2019s about having your mind as relaxed as possible. The key thing is, don\u2019t focus on the problem. It\u2019s never, ever going to work.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Put the problem aside and get on with something else. You\u2019ll find a solution, probably when you\u2019re not expecting it.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><!-- \/wp:quote --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>If you would like to explore tapping in to your own creativity using the latest neuroscience coaching tools get in touch with me <a href=\"https:\/\/yvettejeal.co.uk\/#contact\">her<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/yvettejeal.co.uk\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/yvettejeal.co.uk\/\">e<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Above image is by Cara Gordon. For more information on Cara check her out on Instagram at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/cara.h.gordon\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cara.h.gordon<\/a><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In the business world, creativity means fresh ideas, innovation, and new ways to move forward. It\u2019s crucial for success, yet many companies are inadvertently stifling creative thought.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2018,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/yvettejeal.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1992"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/yvettejeal.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/yvettejeal.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yvettejeal.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yvettejeal.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1992"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/yvettejeal.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1992\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2221,"href":"https:\/\/yvettejeal.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1992\/revisions\/2221"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yvettejeal.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2018"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/yvettejeal.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1992"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yvettejeal.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1992"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yvettejeal.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1992"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}