Research Paper By Yvonne liu
(高管教練,中國)
Coaching Inspires Creativity- Creativity: Born or be learnt? Implications for coaching
Introduction
As the global recession continues, the key challenge is how to keep China’s[1] high GDP growth rate continues. From “Made in China” to “Create in China” is a new strategic direction to guide future China success. Whether it’s in the political, financial or business arena, people need to think creatively to cope with the new world.
Indeed, Creativity is useful for anyone do anything[2] . Often we get stuck thinking when we meet problematic situation[3] or life transition, so we have to explore new ways of thinking or techniques but [4] actively looking at the same challenges. Then, we will fine [5] an innovative and better action plan to create our life with purpose, passion and excellence. Everyone has the same chance to discover, learn and grow through the new ways to get [6] them to think outside the box.
This essay will focus on all aspects of coaching for creativity. What creative thinking is? Why creativity does not happen in the life[7] sometimes? What kinds of thinking that stop people from creativity[8] ? How coaching help [9] to inspire creativity? What creative tools help people to set the next goal[10] . In finding new ideas about creativity in coaching, it[11] will discover new chances to enhance the coaching business. This essay will explore these questions and how creativity coaching application for [12] individual and organization.
What is creativity?
“Creativity is the process of bringing something new into reality…creativity requires passion and commitment”(1)
“Creativity is defined as the tendency to generate or recognize ideas, alternatives, or possibilities that may be useful in solving problems, communicating with others, and entertaining ourselves and others”. (2)
Creativity is “the merging of ideas which have not been merged before. New ideas are formed by developing current ones within our minds.” (3)
Creativity is “ the ability to use the imagination to develop new ideas, new things or new solutions” (4)
Therefore, creativity involves two processes: thinking an idea and then producing. Innovation is the production or implementation of an idea. If people have ideas, but don’t act on them, they are imaginative but not creative.
In general, creativity is an attitude; it allows people to have a new way of thinking to discover, act and grow along the life journey. The creativity people are tolerant of failure and they become diversity. Creative people is more open to listen and communicate, seek alternative ideas and opportunity, with a high degree of trust, respect to listen and turns new ideas into actions.
Born or learnt?
Is it right that only special and talented people are creative? The notion that geniuses such as Shakespeare, Picasso and Mozart were `gifted’ is a myth; however, everyone has substantial creative ability. Just look at how creative children are. The challenge for people today is that the education system that the majority entered is very often suppressed our creativity. Many are trained up to prioritize the analytical skills, systematic way of thinking and logical writing (5)
Creativity is a mix of learned and inherited traits. Although someone born with more creativity， certain conditions can make them more creative. According to an article written by David Frey on creativity,
creativity is not innate but learned…. but maintains that creativity is very much a developmental process that is influenced by the environment. (6)
Therefore, creativity can be reawakened. Through some tools and techniques, people can be inspired new ways of thinking to think out of the box.
What is creativity coaching?
Creativity lies within everyone as a natural human trait. It is the best human potential for imagination and innovation. Coaching will help inspire people seeing the more opportunities and develop innovative solutions to enhance the quality of life and work performance. Through coaching, the clients will be excited to see things in a different way and embrace the idea of flexibility to seek new ways of doing things with passion for excellence. Coach will help the clients to clarify what barriers that stop the creativity process and allow their creativity thinking.
What is creative thinking?
Creative thinking is not a talent; it is a skill that can be learnt. It empowers people by adding strength to their natural abilities which improves teamwork, productivity and where appropriate profits. Edward de Bono
Creative thinking is the process for which training, consulting, media creative, new product development or new business innovation will use when it has to come up with new ideas.
Key points are (7):
- Generate new ideas by combining, changing, or reapplying existing ideas.
- Focus on exploring ideas, generating possibilities, looking for many right answers rather than just one (See Appendix 1)
- Involve thinking beyond current limits bounded by assumptions and mental models.
- Apply problem solving skill to help explore all possibilities and new alternatives.
Who needs creativity coaching?
Creativity coaching suits for those who want to accomplish their dreams. They are seeking personal development with commitment to take actions for vision of success. It can be beneficial for anyone doing anything, in particularly for someone who are seeking a creativity and fun in daily life, whether a mom, a student, a business owner/entrepreneur, an executive, a lawyer, design or architecture, or in the entertainment business or anyone else, everyone is encouraging to get in touch with their creative side. Through the coaching to come up with new ideas or new business ideas, it helps the client to have fun and express their unique self!
Characteristics of the Creative Person (8)
- Curious
- enjoys challenge
- optimistic
- able to suspend judgment
- comfortable with imagination
- sees problems as opportunities and interesting
- challenges assumptions
- doesn’t give up easily: perseveres, works hard
The coaches’s job is to provide support to enhance the skills, resources, and creativity that the client already has”(9).