The World Economic Forum lists the top 10 soft skills for 2023 as being creative thinking. But why is
it so important to think creatively? And how can we acquire this ability to deal with the
opportunities and problems of this time of disruptive change?
The recognition that conventional approaches to problem-solving might not be adequate in the complex
environment of 2023 is what spurred the demand for innovative thinkers. The world requires people who
can think creatively, link seemingly unrelated ideas, and develop novel concepts that challenge
conventional wisdom. By combining imagination, critical thinking, and lateral connections, creative
thinking enables us to come up with novel answers to contemporary problems.
So, what exactly is creative thinking? It empowers people to abandon traditional strategies and
consider radical solutions. It enables us to adjust to unforeseen events and devise creative solutions
for problems. By embracing creativity, we can get new insights, unearth unrealized potential, and
revolutionize many areas of our life.
How then might we encourage both our own and others' creative thinking? The good news is that
creativity can be learned and cultivated; it is not an intrinsic gift reserved for a select few. Here
are some methods that encourage inventiveness:
• Curiosity sparks original thought. Keep an open mind, ask questions, and attempt to comprehend the
underlying causes and motives. Allow yourself to venture outside of your comfort zone and investigate
new concepts, viewpoints, and areas.
• Expose yourself to varied experiences, people, and cultures. Your mental boundaries are widened by
engaging with various viewpoints, which also helps to challenge your presumptions and encourage
innovation. Look for interdisciplinary partnerships and respect the worth of other points of view.
• Develop an open mindset that accepts new thoughts and viewpoints. Challenge your own presumptions
and preconceptions, and actively consider other points of view. Accept the discomfort of uncertainty
and be open to trying out new ideas.
• Schedule time for thought and reflection. Remove yourself from any outside distractions. This gives
your mind the freedom to explore, connect, and develop ideas. Find pastimes that help you unwind and
encourage creative thought, like strolling in the park or meditation.
• By bringing different minds together and encouraging a flow of ideas, collaboration stimulates
creative thinking. Participate in group discussions, team projects, and brainstorming sessions.
Encourage a culture where people can express their ideas freely and participate in the creative
process.
• Creativity is frequently stifled by a fear of failure; therefore, accepting failure is a necessary
step on the path to development and knowledge. Adopt a mentality that sees failure as a chance for
improvement rather than a setback.
• Creativity thrives in an environment that encourages experimentation and embraces risk-taking. Be
willing to try new approaches, explore uncharted territories, and learn from both successes and
failures. Embrace a mindset that sees every experiment as a valuable opportunity for growth and
discovery.
In 2023, the ability to think creatively is crucial for individuals, businesses, and entire
communities. It is the secret to finding creative answers, adjusting to change, and constructing a
better future. We may cultivate and utilize the potential of creative thinking in both us and others
around us by embracing curiosity, diversity, failure, open-mindedness, reflection, cooperation, and
experimentation.
So, let's start this journey of imaginative thinking in 2023, when there is a real need for innovation
and creative thinking is a necessity rather than a luxury.
At Athiya, we specialize in offering in-depth courses on creative thinking to our clients’ employees.
By developing creative thinking skills, we enable employees to support an innovative, problem-solving,
and growth-oriented culture within their organizations.