Creativity is our ability to envision that which cannot immediately be seen or understood. Once considered a mystical talent, creativity is now understood as a skill, which can be developed. This workshop is based on neuroscience findings of brain networks underlying creativity and innovation. Evidence-based strategies will empower individuals by teaching simple techniques that foster imagination, innovative problem solving, and creativity in everyday academic life.
Increasing demands from a highly technical and innovative workforce are escalating the need for higher cognitive abilities, and explicitly, the creatively-minded individual. As higher educational institutions must adapt and change, the necessary skills of employees come into focus. Creative employees solve complex problems, overcome challenges with innovation, and access unique insight into decision-making. Employee creativity matters as it drives innovation and organizational performance.
The past two decades have ushered in concentrated academic research focused on creativity - what makes a person creative, how creativity and innovation connect (Hughes, Lee, Tian, Newman & Legood, 2018). Neuroscience advances in brain imagining now permit exploration into perspectives not previously available. Answers to the questions as to what happens in the brain during the creative process, which elements of the brain are activated, and how we can improve creativity can now be addressed from examining exactly how the brain behaves during creativity. Creativity matters because armed with this scientific insight one can foster creativity and better steer its process.
Today’s educational leaders are confronted with a dizzying array of both day-to-day operational responsibilities and strategic, forward-thinking decisions. In an environment of increasing accountability, changing responsibilities and priorities, and reduced funding, creativity may be what is necessary to adapt. Framing creativity as an ability to problem-solve with relevance and novelty, it becomes an essential leadership skill. Creative approaches to programming, learner support, and instructional methods ultimately lead to learner success. A creative person’s ability to lead extends beyond the leader and their leadership circle. It extends to the creation of an environment where instructors are skilled at and open to fostering creativity. This session is an exploration of the knowledge, skills, and abilities of a creative leader and how that leader can foster creativity within their critical staff positions.
Hughes, D. J,; Lee, A.; Tian, A.W; Newman, A. & Legood, A. (2018). Leadership, creativity, and innovation: A critical review and practical recommendations. The Leadership Quarterly, 29(5,) 549 - 569.