Pablo Picasso said that “every act of creation is, first of all, an act of destruction.” Consider this statement in light of the constraints we place on ourselves in the workplace. What are some constraints that you need to destroy before you can engage in creative problem-solving? Give an example of how a constraint you placed on yourself prevented you from solving a problem. Reflect on what you could have done differently and how you will prevent that constraint from limiting you in the future.
As I considered the statement by Picasso, that “every act of creation is, first of all, an act of destruction” I realized its meaning: To create something new, something else must be destroyed. For example, Picasso’s new paintings destroyed his blank canvases. As an artist, I’m familiar with artistic creation, but how should I be engaging in destruction when practicing creative problem solving within my workplace? I’ve identified some constraints that I think I’ve placed on myself in the workplace, some that I should destroy: Not using my creative abilities with a broad approach; not using both sides of my brain and varying types of thinking when facing a problem; stepping back from instances of problem solving that require creative abrasion.
Whetton & Cameron (2016) describe conceptual blocks, which are “mental obstacles that constrain the way problems are defined, and they can inhibit us from being effective in any of the four types of creativity. Conceptual blocks limit the number of alternative solutions that people think about” (p. 148).
I am very creative and I apply my creativity to areas that are familiar to me: digital arts and writing. However, I don’t think that I fully use my creativity when it comes to problem solving. I have not really considered “creative thinking” the same way that I think of “creating art” or something like a drawing, music, or poetry. I have really focused on creativity as a gift or talent related to art. From the question posed by this prompt, I realize that I should broaden my utilization of creativity and apply creativity to problem solving. I should ask creative and out-of-the-box questions and challenge my own thoughts and those of others in order to produce something of value in relation to a problem. Possibly, I could look at each problem as what I could create from it, what I could turn it into. What would be the best approach or outcome for the problem, in a new and creative way? This helps me to visualize problem solving with creativity as being similar to creating something fabulous from a pile of junk. This artist describes how he and others turned the problem of too much plastic waste into an art display.
As a creative, I’m not as analytical and linear in my thought processes. I tend to be more abstract and intuitive. From our readings during this module, I realize the importance of leaning on what are naturally my strengths, but I now also understand the importance of applying the other side of my brain along with a variety of thought processes to reach creative solutions to a problem. I should destroy my thoughts that I can’t be open to different ways of approaching creativity and creative thinking. I should open myself to different types of creativity, such as those described by Whetton & Cameron (2016): imagination, improvement, investment, and incubation (p. 144). While imagination (be new) and improvement (be better) would come naturally to me, I should gain understanding of the value of investment (be first) and incubation (be sustainable) and view the problem through a variety of lenses (Whetton & Cameron, 2016).
I limit my creative problem solving in the area of creative abrasion as well, because at times I back down from debate and arguments. This is possibly connected to abuses from my past and fears that my opinions and thoughts about a topic could make someone irate and lead to them inflicting pain. So, knowing this about myself, I need to destroy thoughts that I can’t engage in discussion and speak up about things that I feel are valid points or things to consider in relation to a problem. What happened in the past won’t necessarily happen in my present or my future.
An example of times I have placed constraints on myself that prevented me from solving a problem would be holding back my thoughts from others during meetings, even if I think my thoughts have value. On multiple occasions, I have remained silent when I could speak up and inject my thoughts into the conversation. I know I’m intelligent and could contribute valid input, but the creative abrasion aspect has me holding back. This is an area in which I recognize the need for growth and understand the importance of overcoming the attached fears.
Cynde Puckett | MSLD 520 | Dr. Braziel | June 18, 2021 | Reflection Blog Assignment
References
TODAYonline. (2019, March 7). Turning trash into art [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8kMDYgLAto
Whetten, D. A. & Cameron, K. S. (2016). Developing management skills, 9th ed. Boston, MA: Pearson.
Cynde Puckett-Valenti 