Say yes – challenge
Creativity is a phenomenon whereby something new and somehow valuable is formed. The created item may be intangible (such as an idea, a scientific theory, a musical composition, or a joke) or a physical object (such as an invention, a literary work, or a painting).
When the definition comes to the explanation of “something new” it is quite difficult to create something new nowadays and it seems everything is been already created. We encourage our groups to think about things, actions, ideas they have never tried before. But, is it easy to think about the things you never thought about? We usually challenge them to do so. The managerial practices showed that one that affects creativity is the challenge. The creative thinking can be supported by overcoming challenges, dealing with challenging situations, simulations and challenging atmosphere in general.
Managerial practices that affect creativity fall into six general categories: challenge, freedom, resources, work-group features, supervisory encouragement, and organizational support. According to the research made by Teresa Amabile, More to read: https://hbr.org/1998/09/how-to-kill-creativity
Why did I choose this tool?
We chose this tool for the practice of Improvisation as an exercise to overcome “challenge”. Challenge supports creative thinking, so we do believe by accepting this challenge you become more creative as well.
How does this apply to being a trainer?
From practicing being a trainer, we know how hard sometimes is to rely on deciding on what learning concept to choose, what method to apply and usually when we meet learners we change the previous agenda. This exercise empowers us to be more confident with our decisions, it supports us to improvise and not be afraid of upcoming situations.
Main content:
People will be most creative when they feel motivated primarily by the interest, satisfaction, and challenge of the work itself—and not by external pressures. So we don’t want you to feel pressure by this task, but we challenge you to say “yes” at least one day. On one hand, we invite you to experience the challenging situation and on the other hand, we do believe that we kill and block our creative think by blocking situations with saying “no”.
Say “Yes” to your actions, thoughts, feelings. Catch yourself how do you think and react with other people, how do you make conversations and lead or be in discussions. Say “yes” to other ideas, invitations and say “yes” to your ideas.
After the day of “saying “yes” reflect how “Saying yes” supported creativity or not? Did you have situations you wanted to “reject”, “Say no”, but you keep yourself in positive? Have you tried to improvise?
One exception: you can say “no”, if the situation is not safe and secure to you, your health, or life.
Reflection questions:
How strong was the challenge? Did you have some “Stops” and where? In which situations it was the most difficult to say “yes” and why?
Think about what you have gained from this challenge.
Did you notice yourself being more creative?
Exercises:
How to apply it in everyday life:
This exercise is very simple and adaptable while communicating with your colleagues and family. For example, you can observe how your relationship will change if you start talking with your child in a positive manner or answering the question “Can I do….?” by saying “yes”. Afterwards, continue doing so, if there are circumstances or conditions for saying “yes”.
Videos which can inspire you to think about creativity differently.
- 2nd minute: https://www.ted.com/playlists/617/simple_ways_to_spark_your_creativity
- Elisabeth Gilbert “Your elusive creative genius “ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86x-u-tz0MA
- https://www.ted.com/speakers/sir_ken_robinson
