Us folks at GovLoop are a pretty inspired bunch, passionate about helping our members do their jobs better by providing them with the latest happenings and inspiration in government. But sometimes even the most inspired hit a creativity slump. For the icebreaker at our team meeting this week, we shared what inspires us professionally. AndRead… Read more »
So, we’re working to increase the creative capacity of the Scottish Government (more about that in a previous post). But how do we know when we’ve actually done that? Well, that’s a very good question, I’m glad you asked. The measurement of creativity is challenging, not least because of the number of elements that supportRead… Read more »
When’s the last time you drew something? Or went dancing? Or made a collage? What favorite hobby is boxed up in your closet, untouched since your last move? Adult life can be a creativity killer, as we rush from workout to commute to job to meeting to commute to cooking dinner to bed. With deadlines,Read… Read more »
“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.” I’ve passed the half-way pointRead… Read more »
Serendipity is a staple ingredient of creativity and innovation.
“I think it is important to point out that creativity is a human capability. It is not owned by, or restricted to artists, designers and architects; everyone has it, but the real question is how you harness creativity in such a way that it can be made productive.” There has been a growing recognition inRead… Read more »
We take creativity very seriously in the Scottish Government.
Right then, part two of my post about the principles that guide me in my work. If you missed it, part one can be found here. 6. Be yourself. I try to follow my own path and call things as I see them. There’s nothing wrong with wanting or liking approval, it’s a healthy behaviourRead… Read more »
Imagine your manager gives you a new project to manage and you are required to develop a strategy for the next year. A few other requirements are identified and you are sailing along great until it happens. You realize that the program requirements have now put you in a “box” where all the parameters areRead… Read more »
Do your meetings have a creative killer? Newsrooms call them “story killers,” the naysayers at meetings who repeatedly shoot down stories while unsuspecting victims are trying to generate new ideas. Creative killers assassinate ideas, breeding fear and limiting impact for hundreds, maybe even thousands. These idea deaths never get investigated and their potential never getsRead… Read more »