Teresa Van Lanen is a Life Coach who conducts presentations, seminars, workshops, teleclasses and other events that help people reconnect with their creative spirit and to move into more joyful and productive life. For products and services visit Teresa at www.makingartoflife.com. Sign up for a free quiz to gauge how much creative energy you have and other tips. Follow Teresa on Twitter and Facebook as well.

Image from 360 Degree Self

At work we are often asked to do more with less — with less of a budget and in less time. We are sometimes juggling several tasks at once, sometimes successfully and sometimes not. We are challenged to think creatively but often not given the tools to do so. This can lead to frustration and ultimately dissatisfaction in our jobs.

So how can we get around these expectations? Because they are a part of every job, and don’t you just get tired of the term “think outside the box?” Really what is being asked is for us to be creative, to think the unexpected to achieve an exceptional product. Using creativity and creative exercises at work can assist in meeting such expectations.

The benefits of implementing a creative practice can be achieved as an individual, but when reached as a team, they can be even more powerful. Some benefits of this practice include:

• Better teamwork and bonding
• Increased engagement and interaction
• Increased fun and happiness
• Increased retention and recruiting
• Increased problem solving and productivity

So what would the boss say if we were all having fun and enjoying life at work? Some objections may be due to cost, i.e., “We don’t have the budget.” To this I respond by saying that a creative program can be realized at little to no cost with very few supplies, depending on the activities chosen.

Another objection may be related to the time employees are away from productive tasks. To this I respond that creativity will increase one’s energy level and spur on a flurry of productive results at any job.

Yet another objection may be related to looking unprofessional on the job. My response here is the evidence speaks for itself. When clients receive products faster and at a higher quality, they will want to know what the secret is. And their colleagues and potential new hires will look at your workplace in awe. For if everyone is engaged in what they are doing, looking forward to being at work and truly happy – you will be able to be highly selective in whom is part of your team.

*What are your experiences with creativity (or lack of) in the workspace?  How could more creativity in the business aspect of YOUR company help?  Please comment and SHARE this article by clicking the buttons below. Thanks!

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