It’s one thing to fill your organization’s leadership ranks with bright, motivated individuals but another thing all together to build that same organization’s culture of innovation. I’ve been in countless rooms with incredibly smart, productive leaders who are still resistant to leaving their comfort zones and embracing their beginner’s minds in service of innovative thinking. And, let’s be honest, who isn’t uncomfortable with leaving their area of expertise especially in front of their peers. However, organizations that are willing to challenge their leaders to think differently and embrace creativity are often the ones who can survive the unexpected changes that are so much a part of the world today. Below are a few reasons why forward-thinking organizations should encourage the creative challenges that learning to write songs so beautifully provides.
Organizations that embrace unconventional creative outlets foster innovation
Creativity isn’t the domain of a gifted few but, rather, an innate gift that we all possess if we’re willing to take the time to nurture and develop it. Attracting top talent requires more than the challenge of increased productivity. It requires a willingness to help new leaders develop and sustain a growth mindset. A culture of curiosity and innovation does more than attract great leadership it goes a long way towards retaining that leadership as well. The status quo inside of an organization my be comforting in the short term but can be disastrous in the face of the long-term goal of adapting and building a truly future-proof organization.
Songwriting can reignite passion and purpose
I’m a big fan of routine. There’s an aspect of knowing what to expect day after day the can be a genuine comfort in a world where everything seems to be changing at an increased pace. However, exploring our creative side, especially in roles where routine tends to dominate, can reignite passion and purpose in ways that delivering the same results time after time simply can’t. Our humanity is about much more than delivering on a static set of expectations. The more we can engage our whole selves in the work we do, the greater the likelihood we’ll stay engaged in our work and, more broadly speaking, our careers.
Encouraging artistic pursuits boosts overall engagement and loyalty
Speaking of engaging our whole selves, art and creativity are an essential part of the human experience. Creating a culture where innovation and creativity is valued – and not siloed – encourages the entire organization to show up in a way that is more complete and engaged. It’s no wonder that organizational loyalty thrives in this an environment that honors innovation and creativity.
Conclusion
Honoring our creativity is about more than just challenging ourselves to do something new and to think differently. It’s about the deeper understanding that the future is not only uncertain but also made up of the decisions we make in the present. Using a vehicle like learning to write songs can help leaders prepare today for the challenges that won’t exist until tomorrow. There’s a power in the kind of creative confidence that comes from exploring our complete selves and that power is the ability to face the future with the right skills to help an organization thrive.
Find out more about Cliff’s innovation & creativity programs for organizations.