ABSTRACT
This chapter explores what creativity is, where creativity comes from, how to identify creative strengths and how to lead creatively. The Greek philosopher Plato believed creativity was a gift from the gods and that people were either born creative or not born creative. More than integrity, influence, openness or dedication, creativity was cited as the leadership quality most required for navigating complexity. Most people believe creativity is about the generation of ideas or divergent thinking. Guilford was clear to identify convergent thinking, or the ability to judge and identify the most promising solutions, as important to creativity. When comparing creativity in children to creativity in adults, children tend to exhibit creativity that is more random or free flow. Whilst the technique of associative thinking increases the quantity and quality of ideas, it also highlights how children sometimes have an easier time stretching for unique ideas than adults. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) based on Carl Jung's research on personality types.
