“Stillness is where creativity and solutions to problems are found” – Eckhart Tolle.

Creativity and innovation in the workplace

The current complexity and dynamic nature of the world requires more adaptation. Creativity and innovation are probably the most important attributes of a successful business. But creativity is not just about new inventions, in fact it’s important for problem solving and for developing more efficient ways of working and useful in so many other areas including people management and the avoidance of conflict. Creativity is also involved in decisions such as resisting the sunk-cost bias, and coming up with a more innovative approach, for example (Hafenbrack et al, 2013).

Research has found that there is a direct link between mindfulness and creativity (Ostafin and Kassman - 2012). Here’s how it works:

Overcoming the fight or flight response

As we know, the region of the brain called the amygdala is otherwise known as our ‘fight or flight’ centre, is associated with fear and emotion, and is where our stress takes shape. Stressed minds are not open to creative possibilities. MRI scans have shown that a regular mindfulness practice reduces the size of the amygdala, which is then more conducive to developing more creative ability.

More focus

Regular mindfulness practice enables us to improve our focus on what we are working on, and to filter out internal mental and external distractions, giving us the brain space to develop creativity. Similarly, mindfulness has been shown to increase working memory capacity, through reducing our automatic reactions and processes, which also frees up space for more flexible, skilful and innovative responses.

The barrier of past experience

As humans we tend to use our past experience to find solutions to problems. However our habits can also prevent us from seeing things in a different and novel light. Glomb et al (2011) argue that a consequence of automaticity (living on ‘autopilot’) is that it restricts individuals’ perceptions and experiences of the present moment, thus not allowing the development of creative solutions and innovative ideas.

This is why it’s so important for leaders, as well as all employees, to be aware of themselves falling into well-worn routines and habits that block innovation in changing conditions.

Having experienced much creativity myself since I began my regular mindfulness practice, I know first-hand that it’s definitely not a fad…

Interested in developing your or your team’s creativity and innovation to outsmart your competitors? Join the likes of Apple, Google, McKinsey & Company, Proctor & Gamble, General Mills, Target and Lululemon who have all implemented mindfulness programmes and interventions to promote creativity and innovation.

Book a call now to discuss how Mindfuel could help you improve your future.

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