April 2020 - Joburg North

Robots may be able to think faster than we do – but
they can’t generate thoughts that reverberate with
colour or soar with feeling. That’s why creativity is
one of the most highly valued traits in the workplace
of the future, according to creative consultant Lien
Potgieter of Lien Potgieter Creativity Consultancy.
It’s why she’s determined to help left-brainers start
thinking less linearly.
The problem, according to Lien, is that mere mention
of the word ‘creativity’ conjures up a host of stereotypes.
Many of these seem at odds with people who feel they
wouldn’t look good in a kaftan, don’t like the smell
of incense, or have no interest in trying to
paint a nude. In fact, she says, creativity
encompasses far more than the
activities traditionally associated
with it, like singing, dancing,
drawing and writing. ‘If you
have a knack for mediation
and resolving conflict,
that’s creative. So
too, is the ability to
make someone feel
empowered and
inspired, being an
amazing athlete,
feeling curious,
cooking something
fabulous or making
a house feel like a
home.’
Lien believes
everyone is
creative. The
problem is, we often
don’t recognise this
quality in ourselves,
because we tend to
take for granted the
things we’re good at –
which is often where our
creativity lies.
While it may feel challenging
to uncover our own creativity, it’s
important that we do so. Lien cites a report
by the World Economic Forum, which describes
creativity as one of the top 10 workplace skills of the
future.
How can you uncover your own secret source? Lien’s
starting point is basic self-care. ‘If you don’t eat well,
sleep well and exercise, you won’t have the energy or
fuel to think creatively,’ she maintains. Self-care also takes
into account factors which have a more subtle effect on
your well-being, such as temperature and fragrance.
Once your physical well-being has been taken care of,
it’s time to move on to emotional well-being. ‘People
always think of artists as tortured souls, but you’re more
reativity
lass
CDo you have a creative
genius lurking within?
Creativity expert Lien
Potgieter says the
answer is yes.
likely to think clearly, keep an open mind and remain
receptive to new ideas if you’re in a good mood,’ Lien
explains.
The next step in the process involves focusing on
critical thinking. ‘This phase is largely about seeing
and observing. Sometimes, you need to take a break
from what you’re doing to be able to do so. If you
overanalyse, the answers may be slow to come – but if
you allow yourself to daydream, you’d be surprised at
what floods into your mind.’
This may lead to learning new things, a process Lien
links to empathy and compassion. ‘Love is about being
able to see the heart in all things,’
she comments. She equates this
part in the quest to cultivate
creativity with openness and
making space for appreciating
fresh ideas.
Although Lien’s definition of
creativity goes well beyond
traditionally creative pursuits, it
by no means excludes them. She
encourages people embarking
on this pursuit to take part in,
or at least watch and enjoy, art
forms like opera and drama.
Again, she draws attention to
the creativity that’s present
in everyday interactions, from
the well-worded email to a
colleague to the small act
of kindness that brightens a
stranger’s day. Either way, what’s
important is that you’re expressing
what’s inside you.
Another way to harness this essential
quality is by listening to your intuition.
Once a quality easily dismissed in the
workplace, it’s slowly creeping to the fore,
thanks to support from the likes of Steve
Jobs. Linked to this inner voice is your vision for
your inner life – but unfortunately, neither is likely
to flourish in a hostile environment, which is why
kindness in the workplace is crucial if we are to nurture a
culture of creativity.
Lien’s final tip – daydream. Many of us guard against
‘the dwaal’ because we prefer the certainty of real life.
Google has made it possible for us to avoid surprises –
we can even choose what to order at a restaurant hours
before making a reservation – and the safety of this
world of assuredness is attractive during a time of flux.
The problem with this mindset is that creativity thrives
on spontaneity and being in the moment – which is
why daydreaming is so important.
Put these steps together – and you have a recipe
for a skill that could well future-proof your career.
Details: lienpotgieter.co.za
14 Get It Joburg Northern Suburbs April 20