All the workforce should develop its creative potential

It was interesting to read Richard Murray’s viewpoint on creativity in his article, The creative process (DW 16 June). It raised important issues in the business and design world.

It is true to say that those people who are deemed to be creative and innovative are those who ‘think different’.

The world will always need visionaries, the people who ‘see the unseen’. Without them we would not flourish and move forward.

That said, in an age where the world and its business sectors are moving so quickly, we cannot rely on these experts to navigate a route to success for us. We need to look within and use the hidden creative capital which has always been available, but not fully used.

But is creativity inherent or taught? Is it a talent or a skill?

Obviously, some people are more creative than others, thus illustrating that you are either ‘born with or born without’. However, just because an individual does not possess inherent creative skills, this does not mean that they cannot be taught in some way.

People also either have, or do not have, creative talent, but this does not mean that individuals cannot be motivated to develop and implement their creative skills.

Basically, creativity and innovation, on both organisational and personnel levels, should be identified, encouraged and implemented. Also, in general life terms, creativity should be encouraged regardless of age or circumstances.

As far as the business world is concerned, you can understand why people are employed to investigate and implement the ‘creativity’ remit. Guidance and help is always required, and these ‘imagineers’ can offer the workforce the opportunity to unleash their creativity!

The area of creativity is vast and the beauty is that no one person or organisation has all the answers. More open discussion is required and more ideas need to be exchanged, before we can all begin to achieve the benefits and rewards for being more creative in our work and our life.

We are currently working with a group in the Tees Valley to establish an event which will raise awareness of creativity and innovation, and let’s hope that Design Week continues to be the forum through which we can continue the creativity debate.

Paul Sinton

Creative Director

Cyber 4paulsinton@cyber42.co.uk