There is a wealth of research on creativity, creative thinking and innovation. Sometimes it can seem hard to keep PACE. But looking at indepth research from Theresa Amabile and her colleagues at the Harvard Business School much of it can be distilled down to 4 things. Here's a quick test you can give to projects and team members to assess whether they are at the peak of their creativity.
P is for Progress. Studies have revealed we are more inspired and motivated by projects and ideas that progress. If initiatives move forward, even slowly, we are far more likely to remain engaged and committed to that project.
A is for Autonomy. Endless studies tell us that if people can decide on HOW they go about a certain project, WHO they work with and WHERE or in what environments they work then they will be more creative, committed and able drive a project through than if they are being dictated to.
C is for Care. If we care and are passionate about a project or idea we will do everything we can to make it happen. If it 'means' something to us we will commit to it. This is the element that makes people go the extra mile.
E is for Eclectic. The more diverse our experiences and the more rich our interactions with the world, the more creative we will be. Eclectic, multi-cultural teams are able to come up with far more innovative solutions than non-diverse, non-eclectic teams. Teams with well travelled, multi lingual members immediately have a richer pool of creative resources than a local team from the same background.
With all the complexity surrounding research on creativity and innovation, it can be hard to keep pace. By giving yourself, your team and your projects the PACE test, you can worry a little less about keeping up with everyone else, and start to become a PACE setter yourself.
Philippa
