Creative is Everywhere & in Everything We Do. It’s a Powerful Asset That Drives Every Part of Your Organization

Part 1: Creativity is Everywhere & It's Not Just in Marketing

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Recognizing Creativity in Everyday Business

Gary Cohen opens by challenging the traditional view of creativity as something limited to marketing or design. He points out that creativity is all around us, woven into everyday objects and processes—from the apps we use to the cars we drive. This sets the stage for understanding creativity as a fundamental skill in every role within an organization.

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Creativity in Every Department

Gary explains that creativity is not exclusive to certain roles but is essential across all departments. Leaders use creativity to inspire and set direction; HR finds innovative ways to engage employees; and even IT and operations develop creative solutions to improve efficiency and streamline processes. By expanding the definition of creativity, Gary reveals its importance across the entire organization.

Fostering a Culture of Creativity

In this section, Gary outlines how organizations can begin to build a culture that supports and encourages creativity. He emphasizes that creativity thrives in environments where employees feel safe sharing ideas, where curiosity is encouraged, and where collaboration is part of the daily routine. Attendees gain insight into what a creative culture looks like and how it benefits both individuals and teams.

Part 2: The Core Elements of Creativity in Business

Understanding What Makes Creativity Effective

Gary breaks down the essential components that make creativity effective in a business context:

• Reframing Problems: Creativity often involves viewing challenges from fresh perspectives.

• Encouraging Experimentation: Fostering an environment where employees feel empowered to test and try new ideas without fear of immediate failure.

• Embracing Diverse Perspectives: Incorporating a range of backgrounds and insights, which sparks unique approaches and innovative ideas.

Practical Examples Across Functions

Gary brings these elements to life with real examples from various business functions:

• Leadership: How leaders use creative thinking to motivate teams and solve strategic challenges.

• Sales and Customer Relations: Using creativity to understand client needs deeply and craft tailored solutions.

• Product Development: Turning user insights into innovative product features that solve real problems.

By exploring creativity’s core elements and showing how they apply to each department, Gary provides attendees with a clear framework for fostering creative thinking in their daily work.

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Part 3: Practical Strategies for Nurturing Creativity Across the Organization

Techniques to Encourage Everyday Creativity

Gary introduces practical techniques that make creativity accessible across roles:

• Storytelling with Data: Showing how data can reveal trends and insights that spark new ideas.

• Creative Problem-Solving: Exercises like reverse brainstorming or “what if” scenarios to challenge standard ways of thinking.

• Recognizing and Rewarding Creativity: How small acknowledgments and rewards can motivate creative efforts within teams.

Building a Creative Culture Step by Step

Gary discusses how to build a truly creative culture by supporting curiosity and creating flexible spaces for idea-sharing. He emphasizes that a creative culture isn’t about big, occasional ideas—it’s about encouraging small, everyday moments of innovation and inspiration.

Final Reflection

Gary concludes by encouraging attendees to view creativity as an essential part of their roles, regardless of department. He emphasizes that with the right environment, creativity can be nurtured and integrated into every aspect of an organization, driving success and growth.

Take Aways