Deborah Khan -- Creative Inspiration: Creative leadership- define please, if you can.

What my clients say about me

John Birch - BA
“I was really impressed with the way Deborah Khan delivered training on the subject of communication skills to us at BA Pensions. She took time to fully research and understand how we worked and what our specific concerns were. She designed a programme that matched not only our collective requirements but was also flexible enough to cover individual development needs. Her methods, being performance based, ensured that even the most introverted of us participated in the programme and our subsequent delivery in formal presentations has improved significantly"
Tom Powell - DLKW
"I participated in a one-day session with Deb Khan last year and would strongly recommend it for both novice speakers and those looking to hone their skills. She (gently) picked apart our strengths and weaknesses and by the end of the day, the results were tremendous. Everyone left with a range of practical skills and it's been a huge benefit for presentations"
Kai Vacher - Specialist Schools Trust
"Deb has incredible foresight, emotional intelligence and a razor sharp focus on specific outcomes to plan programmes/workshops of outstanding quality. Her ability to work with a group of people so that very quickly they feel at ease with each other is unsurpassed in my experience. Deb uses a varied range of interactive strategies to provide the prefect balance of challenge and support for workshop participants. Post event, course participants often contact me to express their overwhelming sense of achievement having worked with Deb, and want more; for themselves and colleagues.”
David Mikhail - RHM
Deborah is fantastic. I’m afraid she had to suffer both of our last pitches – but after her input we just flew, winning really important work from both of them. She is practically our fourth partner now. In spite of all our training (7 years at architecture school) I realise now we were taught nothing about presenting. Deborah helped us to communicate successfully, but she is about much more than communication skills. She goes straight to the heart of what we are trying to say, what are our best ideas, and feels her way into the audience. She works us hard but she’s great fun and our business is booming thanks to her.
Simon Beckett - Five TV
"..this morning was most useful – so often in my experience creative workshops are all enthusiasm and no substance but yours was a refreshing change and I actually had to work at thinking about what you were saying and what I was thinking (I love metacognition)"

statcounter

Just discovered Darren Rowses' excellent pro blogger. Useful and makes money. Respect, Darren. Thanks Mark. Again.

Trying to nail the attitudes of creative people is tough and this great post was a catalyst to some thinking I have had on a very slow burn. Interesting to see how much my views connect with Darren. Just the language differs. I particularly love Darren's Constructive Discontent descriptor and Flexible Imagination. I think we all have and can still achieve glimpses of those feelings ourselves but a minor discussion point, I feel.

Fascinated at the complexities surrounding the definitions of creative people. I am never sure how useful definitions are. Obviously they inform and provide frameworks but what interests me is how much direction they provide in developing these qualities and behaviours in ourselves.

I have been grappling with this for a while. I run a course “Creative Leadership”. I’m not happy with the title. But gets them in there- we have been over-subscribed for all of the courses for the last two years. And as I design and deliver it, I'm extremely happy that something is working.

Problem for me is that the title feels reductive. Are you a creative leader as opposed to an influential leader or inspirational leader or whatever the fashionable term is this week?

What I’m interested in is how your creative thinking skills and behaviours support you as a leader. How by understanding how to realise your own creative potential, you can learn how to realise the creative potential of those you lead. This appears to be a core challenge for every leader.

Leadership is a complex issue. Notoriously well documented in the myriad of books, training courses, TV programmes, it is a highly complex series of behaviours that are accumulated over a long period of time with support, reflection and commitment to self development.

This does not imply you cannot be an effective leader if you are young. Far from it. It does mean that the process of self-development is on going.

My core challenge has been to identify how a creative leader behaves and communicate? What is the potential impact and influence of these behaviours?

Chris Bilton’s Management and Creativity is top of my "work" pile of reading at the moment. It provides a comprehensive overview of how we can learn from the structures and processes within the creative industries. It’s an excellent analysis of a subject that is so fraught with misconception, is so widely appropriated (who doesn’t think they are a creative organisation?) and so overly used and abused.

I am co-authoring a publication now. More on that soon. Where am I now in terms of some of the qualities of Creative Leaders?

Not definitive. Still very much a work in progress. Combination of what I have experienced in a diverse range of organisations, private and public sector, ages, situations, highly profitable and not for profit. Plus loads of stuff I have read about and tried to capture.

Creative leaders:

Personalise. They use a variety of techniques to tap into and realise the creative potential of those they lead to help add value to their organisation
Identify potential. They have the imagination to spot what people could achieve and realize- they identify as well as realise where someone could be as opposed to where they are now
Energise. They generate and inspire atmospheres that are tangible. There is a sense of the possible, there is real shift in mood and energy when we are working on the art of what could be. It is a fusion of the intellectual, emotional and physical. We feel sense and know it is happening. They know they need to keep the ball in the air. Lack of motivation kills creativity, dead.
Use story. They humanise and contextualise everything. They know that we process the world through stories. Our lives are stories. We need to find stories that effect emotional engagement with all of those we lead. Creative leaders create a vision, articulate it through a range of stories and know how this is somewhere their followers will want to go to. Their stories offer a call to arms and inspire action rather than an audience marveling at their rhetoric.
Use stimuli from a wide and diverse range of sources. They are fascinated by and interested in a range of subjects. They know that everything they read, experience, listen to and see will one day be of value in the complex cognitive processes of our brain. Creativity is about connecting seemingly disconnected pieces of information to generate original responses that are of value.
Navigate between the four stages of the creative process. Understand when to direct, evaluate, make decisions and when to be open to non-judgmental, free flowing, right brain directed germinal thinking. When to be in left brain mode and when to switch to right brain mode. They know how to challenge, listen, facilitate and direct. They understand where ideas come from, how to grow ideas, how to select, refine and how we learn from realising an idea
Value Play - as learning, intelligence, fun, energising, a release, a contribution, as exploration...
Practise non-judgemental behaviour. Judgement short circuits the creative process. They don't mind the inevitable grey areas of confusion that are normal within the development of any idea. They allows for vague, half formed ideas and possibilities to grow. They see all ideas as potential.
Value diversity, contradictions and complexities. (Bilton, 2007)
See problems as normal. They find challenge invigorating, obstacles stimulating and they enjoy, rather than are overwhelmed, by challenge. Darren's term of acceptable is very appropriate here.
Value right brain directed thinking skills. As of vital importance if we are to flourish and grow in the 21st Century. They understand these thinking skills are as vital as left brain directed skills within the full cycle of the creative process. They know when when to shift their thinking and how to direct the thinking skills of others. Bilton's description of creativity existing at the edge of the box is so apt.
Know boundaries and constraints are necessary and can release, rather than inhibit, ideas.
Lack ego. They know that ideas are tied to ego. Ownership of ideas limits our potential. Creative leaders receive ideas as if they were their own. The more we give out, the more we get back. Ideas come from an infinite number of sources and people. We need to be open to accepting and receiving them. And find ways of capturing these, formally and informally.
Are not trapped by dogma. They do not live with the results of other peoples thinking. They want to know how to make this organisation, department, project or whatever remarkable. They do not allow it to stand still but are not addicted to change for change sake- it is always about the good of the organisation. They understand that new ideas can amplify, extend and support existing thinking, rather than supersede it.
Permit a culture where failure is accepted, learned from and moved on. They allow risk. Very, very hard, I know
Understand the major obstacles to creativity. And do something about it
Look for rich, not big ideas.
Like and value, recruit and retain creative people. Dead tough, this one as they understand that the needs and motivations of creative professionals can differ from the motivations (financial etc) of others
Value creativity. Obvious but essential. I have yet to meet a leader who does not recognise how vital creative thinking and behaviours are to the health, development and success of their organisation The problem is for many of them is that it simply isn’t top of their priorities right now.

That’s all for now.

Very much a work-in progress. Most of all, quite easy to say. Tough to do

Welcome

A fresh, raw idea is our most precious commodity. I run workshops aimed at developing the inherent ability we all have to be creative. With 20 years personal experience of the arts, education, lateral thinking, coaching and consultancy I create bespoke, practical sessions tailored to my client’s particular needs. I then deliver support and advice to help practice and inspire creativity in the workspace. I achieve this through active learning sessions. Where people really understand what it means to be creative – a unique fusion of the intellectual, physical and emotional. With the emphasis on active. It’s about learning by doing. For me there is no other way. Getting off your chair, rolling up your sleeves and getting stuck in. It’s dynamic, fast-paced and fun. Many workshops on creativity are often more form than content. I hope mine has the balance towards the former but has a great latter. For more information email me and I will send you a full description of what I do.

Comments

Great summary! I'd contend that there's also something about having the imagination to see that the people they are leading have the potential to grow into even better versions of themselves. It's like their capacity for believing in people's potential needs to embrace and even go beyond what their people can see in themselves like the influence of the parent who says 'you CAN achieve that' rather than 'you can't'.

Posted by: Emily | May 25, 2007 at 06:35 PM

Thank you Emily. Your site loks full of excellent resources- great to make contact.

I agree- spotting potential rather than performance is a real skill and possessing the imagination to see what people could be rather than are is a rare skill.

Excellent additon to the list. Thank you.

Posted by: Deborah | May 25, 2007 at 08:56 PM

Good list Deb, I like the way you've defined 'qualities' in terms of actions rather than personality traits - it's notoriously difficult to pin down the 'creative personality', a lot easier to draw conclusions about the kind of behaviours that promote creativity.

I particularly like 'sees problems as normal', I remember the day I realised having problems wasn't a problem - we've all got them, just like we've all got shoes, they've got a useful function but they're not the be-all and end-all.

I really like Chris Bilton's book although I'm slightly biased, having spent 2 years being taught by him on the MA at Warwick. I suspect he'd agree with most of your list, although he'd probably suggest a balance between right and left brain thinking as more conducive to creativity than right-brain thinking alone.

So when does the book come out? It will be eagerly anticipated at Wishful Thinking Towers!

Posted by: Mark McGuinnness | May 29, 2007 at 08:02 PM

Realise now Mark that I lacked clarity in the right brain descriptor. I too believe both sides of the brain are essential to the creative process but my point indicated the opposite.

I have re-adjusted- thanks.
Actions are always easier to define for me and yes, I find a lot of the writing on creative personalites not that useful in supporting others to be creatve. It can, in fact, distance people further.

The publication is due September and is an internal one for an international organisation- hopefully will be the start of something larger. We are looking at creative processes and systems, the behaviours of leaders architecture, definitions...

Worrying myself now as it is highly enjoyable but overwhelming at this stage as we are making links to system leadership and organisonal development theory.

Phew.

Posted by: Deborah | June 04, 2007 at 01:28 PM

"highly enjoyable but overwhelming" - a phrase applicable to so many creative ventures!

Well I hope your writings will emerge into the public arena at some point, it all sounds very interesting. Just be careful you don't get lost in the systemic fog!

Posted by: Mark McGuinness | June 08, 2007 at 09:27 AM

1qfn8q jhaijguaufvj, [url=http://klamivhvspaa.com/]klamivhvspaa[/url], [link=http://wolzkuxhhcnj.com/]wolzkuxhhcnj[/link], http://rppuohziiuyx.com/

Posted by: qaiopdjv | July 03, 2011 at 09:02 AM

Posted by: Lonirowl | November 21, 2011 at 08:13 AM

Hosting - to udzielanie przez dostawcę usługi internetowej zasobów serwerowni. Jeszcze dokładniej definiując polega to na "zajęciu" daniu do wykorzystania danej pojemności dysku twardego, na której wolno magazynować pliki tworzące zawartość witryn internetowych i albo udzielenie przestrzeni dysku jako miejsca dla plików "leżących" w skrzynce mailowej. Inna wersja hostingu to użyczenie dużych obrębów dysku, a nawet zupełnego serwera bądź kilku - jako fizycznego nośnika na rzecz dużego serwisu internetowego, portalu, grupy dyskusyjnej i innych. W każdej z nich chodzi o użyczenie fizycznego położenia (dysku lub dysków twardych) dla zmieszczenia rozmaitych postaci wiadomości dostępnych przez Internet.Masa usług hosting jest płatnych. Dlatego nie chcemy Cię okłamywać. Nasze usługi hostingteż są odpłatne, z jednym wyjątkiem, nasze usługi hosting są jednymi z najmniej kosztownych w globalnej siecie. Proponujemy hosting na najlepszym poziomie, po najmniejszej możliwej cenie. Przekonaj się sam i przetestuj naszą jakość! Inwitujemy na serwis. Nie będziemy Ci wpajać, iż dostaniesz od nas nieodpłatne usługi hosting. Natomiast mamy sposobność zapewnić Ci jedno. Nasze usługi hosting są przypuszczalnie najbardziej opłacalnymi domenami, jakie możesz znaleźć w sieci globalnej. Jednak pomimo niewysokich ilości wydatków za usługi hosting, proponujemynajwyższą możliwą jakość naszych domen. Nie możesz w to dowierzyć, czy kwestionujesz jeszcze słuszność tego, co tu jest napisane? Jak tak to koniecznie wejdź na nasz portal i przekonaj się o przwdzie tej wiadomości. Nasze usługi hosting oferują najwyższą jakość w najmniejszej cenie. Nie będziesz musiał przeznaczać dużych sum za usługi hosting. Jeśli wejdziesz pierwszy raz na naszą stronę internetową, pomożemy Ci we wszystkim. W naszej ofercie znajdziesz dużo okazjonalnych rabatów dla świeżych klientów. Jeżeli tymczasem jesteś naszym stałym kontrahentem, możesz być pewien, iż będziesz miał ewentualność skorzystać z niecodziennych promocji. Wejdź koniecznie na nasz portal. Zobacz ile możesz oszczędzić z nami.

Posted by: bitCrorifrole | December 04, 2011 at 08:19 AM

Hosting - to udzielanie przez dostawcę usługi internetowej zasobów serwerowni. Jeszcze precyzyjniej ujmując polega to na "zajęciu" oddaniu do wykorzystania danej pojemności dysku twardego, na której można zapisywać pliki tworzące treść witryn internetowych i albo użyczenie powierzchni dysku jak miejsca dla plików "leżących" w skrzynce mailowej. Inna forma hostingu to udostępnienie znacznych rozmiarów dysku, a nawet pełnego serwera bądź kilku - jako materialnego nośnika na rzecz dużego serwisu internetowego, portalu, grupy dyskusyjnej i innych. W każdej z nich chodzi o użyczenie fizycznego położenia (dysku lub dysków twardych) dla zmieszczenia różnorodnych form wiadomości osiągalnych przez Internet.Ogrom usług hosting jest płatnych. Właśnie dlatego nie chcemy Cię kłamać. Nasze usługi hostingrównież są płatne, z jednym wyjątkiem, nasze usługi hosting są jednymi z najtańszych w globalnej siecie. Proponujemy hosting na najwyższym poziomie, po najniższejdopuszczalnej opłacie. Przekonaj się sam i przetestuj naszą jakość! Inwitujemy na stronę. Nasze usługi hostingteż są niedarmowe, z z jedną różnicą, nasze usługi hosting są jednymi z najbardziej opłacalnych w sieci Nie wierzysz? Zobacz Jeśli tak to już teraz zajrzyjwstąp na naszą witrynę i przekonaj się o słuszności tej wiadomości. Nasze usługi hosting oferują najbardziej solidną jakość w najniższej cenie. Nie będziesz zmuszony przeznaczać wielkich pieniędzy za usługi hosting. Jak wejdziesz pierwszy raz na naszą witrynę, pomożemy Ci we wszystkim. W naszym zbiorze ofert znajdziesz wiele opłacalnych upustów dla świeżych gości. Jeśli tymczasem jesteś naszym stałym klientem, możesz być pewien, iż będziesz miał możliwość skorzystać z niecodziennych okazji. Wpadnij już teraz na naszą stronę. Sprawdź ile jesteś w stanie zachować pieniędzy w portfelu z nami.
Hosting

Posted by: Claifttailisa | December 06, 2011 at 08:31 AM

Angry Birds

Posted by: Wooniattado | December 13, 2011 at 09:08 AM

gadżety reklamowe
Jaki jest w największym stopniu efektywny rodzaj promowania swojej firmy? Jakim sposobem wzmóc liczebność klientów i co za tym idzie dochody w swojej organizacji. Odpowiedź jest wręcz, pobieżna. Komunikacja marketingowa. Sprowadza ona fenomenalne plusy dla naszego biznesu. Sprawia, iż nasza marka jest rozpoznawalna, ludzie są świadom jej istnienia, to znaczy liczba prawdopodobnych interesantów permanentnie wzrasta. Jest niemniej jednak mnogość form reklamy. Reklama telewizyjna, tak zwany spot reklamowy, przekaz promocyjny w radiu, w gazecie itd. Pożądałbym Ci jakkolwiek zilustrować równie skuteczną reklamę jaką jest reklama telewizyjna, a mianowicie gadżety reklamowe. Jest w tej okolicy przemówienie o wszelakich obiektach użytku normalnego, jak garnuszki, długopisy, maskotki, koszulki, na których możesz rozmieszczać logo własnej jednostki. Tenże sam się przekonaj w jaki sposób to funkcjonuje i rozważże przez chwilę. Idziesz jezdnią w latko i omijają Cię obywatele w stylowym podkoszulku z logiem Twojej fabryki. Czyż to nie nadprzyrodzona i praktycznie darmowa forma promocji? Otóż to! Ludzie poprzez używanie towarów, których normalnie i tak będą używać, polecają Twoją spółkę, sprawiając, że inni rozpoczynają się nią interesować. Inwitujemy na naszą witrynę, na której wynajdziesz całą proponowaną przez nas propozycję i przedstawisz się z naszymi małymi cenami. Zapewniam Cię, że pozytywy jakie zdoła osiągnąć Twoja spółka wielokrotnie przewyższają poniesione wydatki.

Posted by: agotlystomo | December 16, 2011 at 08:18 AM