What makes a Creative Thinker?
Creativity Before vs. Now
In the summer of 2020, I was having a hard time choosing what course was best for me. On top of my mind, I wanted to take BS Communications Technology Management as I see myself pursuing a business career after I graduate. I also wanted a course that focuses on marketing and communications. However, many reviews I found on the internet say that the course has subjects that require creativity. Growing up, when I hear the words creativity, it’s usually connected to artistic people who make the publication materials, design, draw, paint, and the like — things which I consider myself average in. I then became demotivated, considering I don’t have as much artistic talent as others. Ultimately, I decided to pursue another program where I can enjoy and excel.
Halfway through my first year in college, I recognized that it’s high time for me to start challenging myself. At present, I realized that although I am happy, I don’t see my future in my current program. I also felt like a coward for not pursuing the course I want just because I am not creative. However, I realized that I could probably improve over time. These became my motivations to shift and apply for my initial program choice.
At present, I am taking DECSC 25, a major subject in BS CTM, which will be the basis if I’ll be allowed to shift or not. The subject is about Creative Thinking which made me really anxious. Hearing about it made me very apprehensive since I didn’t expect to take a subject on creativity immediately. Because of this, I did my best to prepare — I tried to improve my skills in what I thought would make me more creative. However, deep inside, I felt that no matter how hard I try, I will never be at par with naturally creative people.
As I go through the subject, I realized that there was no reason for me to be scared after all. I was able to clarify a lot of misconceptions. Firstly, I learned that creativity was not solely based on artistic capability. Instead, it is finding a new perspective on things. It is the foundation of innovation that helps resolve gaps in the community across different disciplines. Creativity should also not only be an idea but something that is put into action. Furthermore, I learned that creativity is a way of exercising freedom by giving solutions to limitations and constraints. It also involves a process that helps us discover other perspectives. Finally, I found that creativity isn’t something inborn but rather a skill that everyone can develop and nurture. It became my motivation to continue honing my skills; after all, creativity is a continuous process.
Creativity isn’t always about the grand, unique, and, compelling. Sometimes it’s just simply seeing what others didn’t.
Creativity in the organizations and its barriers
After broadening my view on creativity, I realized how much I am in awe of creative thinkers as they bring new ideas to organizations. However, most companies and organizations I am exposed to don’t heavily invest in creativity. Most organizations would still prefer short-term results such as enhancing physical labor, over long-term investments in soft skills such as imagination.
According to studies, everyone is innately creative; some are just unpracticed and undeveloped. This makes it more necessary to invest in creativity as creative thinkers are game-changers. They bring change to the organization. While some companies consider investing in a few creative employees, many still fail to make creativity a part of its culture.
In other aspects, some people try to enhance their creativity in the workplace but are faced with constraints. Aside from the probable lack of human and economic capital. I’ve observed how out-of-the-box ideas are considered weird or risky. This disincentivizes people to share ideas as criticisms will always be present. There is also the fear of experimentation by organizations and the constant chase to be perfect. Overall, these barriers hinder the development of creativity in organizations which eventually affects progress.
In conclusion, I can say that my knowledge of creativity completely changed. From solely being an artistic skill, creativity became a way of thinking that is interdisciplinary. Ultimately, it made me realize how enhancing creativity is vital in organizations and society at large.I recognized that creativity is a good investment as it becomes a catalyst for many things. Without it, it would be harder to fuel innovation that would address particular gaps. It then becomes a societal cause and not just a personal one.
Ultimately, I can say that DECSC 25 is one of my favorite subjects so far. I enjoyed the course as I was doing something I am interested in. After widening my concept of creativity and becoming more conscious about how it works in the industry — I am now more convinced that I want to pursue the course. I want to be a creative thinker who brings change wherever I go. I finally found my element :)
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