How to Promote Creativity

"Why You Can't Buy Creativity" is an article in 99% by Mark McGuinness, brought to our attention by Kirsten Haugen, that share ideas such as the following on how to promote creativity:

"There is a large body of research evidence... that relying on extrinsic motivations (a.k.a. rewards and punishments) has a negative impact on creativity.  While it may seem obvious that the stick has a negative impact on creativity, it's counterintuitive that the carrot has the same effect.  But when you're focused on a reward, you're not focused on the work itself.  And as any creative will tell you, doing outstanding creative work — whether solving a technical problem or creating a work of art — requires 100% focus on the task in hand, to the point of obsession.  You have to love what you do.

"Of course companies need to pay people well.  If they don't, compensation becomes a bone of contention, and a distraction from their work.  But if you really want outstanding creative performance, you need people to focus on intrinsic motivations — factors inherent in the work itself.  Things like challenge, interest, learning, meaning, freedom, and creative flow.  They are what really motivates creative people — and the research demonstrates a strong link between levels of intrinsic motivation and creativity."

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