Blog
I was fascinated by an article describing Oprah Winfrey’s interview with author Daniel Pink . He describes a shift in emphasis from left-brain logical thinking to right-brain creativity. He argues that business is outsourcing more left-brain activities to Asia as well as by using software to do much of the other logical work. Our world therefore has an enhanced need for creativity to drive progress. Design shapes our experience of everything we touch and everywhere we go, whether it’s a computer mouse, a car or an airport. So needing to focus less on the logical aspects will power that shift to creativity
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The challenges that this important shift poses are considerable. Do we have strong right-brain people at the top of organisations? Are we training our leaders and managers and helping the release their creative powers in a way that benefits the business as well as themselves? Are we teaching our young people in the right way? How do we manage businesses with more emphasis on creativity, as opposed to the logical and structured approach of the past?
Daniel Pink also emphasises the growing importance of storytelling – to put logic and facts in context with emotional impact. He also talks of “symphony”, where all the dots join up. Our experience proves that left- and right-brain thinking can come together, connecting logic with human experience, and creating a truly compelling case for people to join the journey of the business. I also believe that a business narrative can set a framework for creativity – inspiring right-brain thinking to create new solutions to enhance that journey. In simple terms – tell the business story, connect your people to it, and inspire them to contribute with their energy and creativity. Great things can happen by doing this, and with increasing emphasis on creativity introducing a new competitive landscape, you will win and prosper.