Those who have been paying attention realize that our world is changing rapidly due to technology. One of the major shifts that is underway involves the acceleration of automation. This is not just impacting blue collar jobs but white collar jobs where “problem solving” can be quantified, analyzed and systematized. These tasks/jobs are being replaced by complex algorithms and artificial intelligence that in most cases outperforms people. Those that ponder these changes understand that the future of work will increasingly reward high level creative thinkers
Unfortunately, most of our schools and institutions are still training “factory workers”—embracing STEM fields that churn out thousands of graduates focused on quantified, analytical/systematic problem solving. In the near term these graduates will fuel the automation revolution but yield decreasing benefit as progress is made.
The nature of creative work is fundamentally different. Creative fields tend to be high-risk high-reward endeavors and tend to scare off individuals with a more conservative mindset. However, it has been demonstrated that the creative thinkers—high in openness—are the individuals responsible for developing the new ideas that propel society and drive our economy. This is why companies are very interested in how to increase the creative production of their employees. Their interest has driven a great deal of recent research on the subject. Interestingly (and great news for profiteers), increasing pay or financial incentives do not make people more creative—this tactic works well for traditional repetitive work but actually has a negative impact on tasks that require creative thinking.
It is not surprising that our environment plays a large role in creative output. One study showed that unplugging, in combination with a prolonged exposure to nature, can increase creative output by more than 50 percent.
Our most creative production occurs not when we are focused in on a particular task but when we are relaxed. When we are stressed out it is difficult for our minds to access our creative tool kit. That is why some of our best ideas occur when we are taking a shower, mowing the lawn, playing ping-pong, walking, or during a serendipitous encounter. Researchers describe this state of mind as “alpha wave mode.” This is why Google, Apple and other successful companies have playful, interactive work spaces immersed in nature. Great ideas rarely if ever occur at your desk or during a strategic planning session. So next time you step away from your computer, go on vacation, ponder a work of art, or have a cup of coffee in your backyard, don’t feel guilty. You may be doing your best work!