Creativity is the ability to generate ideas, solutions, or expressions that are novel and valuable to oneself or others. 

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We might tend to equate creativity with 'Big C' creativity, the type of creative output that leads to lasting impact on society, arts, or culture. Big C creativity arises at the intersection of talent, persistence, and opportunity. Yet everyone can be, and is, creative. We all engage in everyday problem solving and personal expression. This is 'Little C' creativity, which Beghetto and Kaufman break into three categories: Mini C, Little C, and Pro C. We might think of Mini C as creativity at home, Little C as crafts and hobbies, and Pro C as creativity at work.

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Whether Big or Little C, creativity cannot occur without knowledge, curiosity, playfulness, time, and the right amount of pressure.

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There are multiple theories of creativity, from the Big C/Little C theory of Ellis Torrance cited above, to the Componential Theory of Creativity (Teresa Amabile), to the Stage Theory of Creativity (Graham Wallas and others), and beyond. Though one could be forgiven for thinking that creativity is fundamentally a psychological process, this is not really the case. Here at Shalem Bayit, we don't limit our exploration of creativity theory to psychological processes, but we pursue diverse perspectives on creativity from fields such as mathematics, biology, physics and economics. 

 

Exploring the diverse theories of creativity is not purely an exercise in naval gazing; exploration informs creative practice.

 

 

 

 

All people possess an innate creative ability. Creativity coaching is an interpersonal process aimed at developing that ability. 

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Creativity, the ability to think and act in original and imaginative ways to generate novel ideas, solutions or expression, is integral to community survival and individual thriving. It involves breaking away from conventional thinking patterns, embracing  curiosity, play and experimentation, and venturing into the unknown. For you, creativity might mean writing or poetry, art, music, gardening, redesigning the sick leave sheet for your workplace, or it might mean breaking out of stale thoughts.

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A creativity coach guides and supports individuals and groups toward their creative or innovative goals. This collaborative work involves formulating goals, identifying obstacles to creativity and innovation and developing techniques to overcome them,  planning the stages and substages of the project and maintaining accountability, navigating rejection and other setbacks, and reflecting on the myriad aspects of the creative work and the person's place within the work. Creativity coaching is not only beneficial for the work; as it builds self-awareness, it is beneficial for the individual and the group also.

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Whether you know what you want to work on or you are coddiwompling, wherever you are on the creative spiral, a creativity coach can help you deepen your practice and your self-reflection.

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