Creativity: Ranked Highest by CEO's for Business Success
In a current, frequently-referenced research carried out by IBM Global Services, a group of over 1,500 CEOs in 60 countries and 33 industries agreed that "creativity" is now the most critical leadership quality for absolute achievement in business.
Not "global focus," not "integrity," not even much heralded "sustainability." But uniquely "creativity."
Steven Tomasco, of IBM Global Business Services, thought the answer shocking, because we have just come out of (hopefully) an historic financial downturn the likes of which most of those CEOs have by no means experienced in their working lives.
When it comes to specific percentages, 60% of those surveyed ranked "creativity" in the #1 spot. Second was "integrity." (With all due respect to Steven Tomasco,we'd counsel that is the more shocking result in this period of "the end justifies the means" business management.)
In fact, for the folks fortunate enough to have had a peek at the crystal ball of business success over the previous several years, in our new "innovation economy," that "creativity" holds the #1 spot is hardly surprising. Actually, it's expected.
If there is a secret of corporate success at the moment, it is the willingness and ability to consistently reinvent one's value proposition, exhibit ever-increasing value to prospects and recognize that the consumer is in control--every time.
Acknowledge that 88% of CEOs surveyed also ranked "getting nearer to the customer" as the primary area of focus, followed carefully by "people skills" (81%) and "insights and intelligence" (seventy six%).
Creativity, personnel skills, insights/intelligence. it all boils right down to a client-focused success model.
The most important companies in this marketplace comprehend this. They work diligently to stay one step ahead of the buyer's need. It's not directly related to the ability to respond-it's about the need to anticipate. Give your prospects what they want- before they even know they desire it-and you will rise to the top of the competitive company food chain. Fail to be proactive, even for a second, and be prepared to fall, at high speed.
So what does creativity need to do with all of this? Why is it essential to contemplate outside the box in an effort to meet client demand?
Even though your prospects don't have a clue what they are going to wish for tomorrow-despite the fact that they need it now. And they don't seem to be going to tell you; that's unnecessary work. They need you to tell them; and after they see it, they'll know it. advise them what they want, and if you are right on, you win the brass ring. And if you happen to not do so, your competition most definitely will.
There's a little bit of alchemy connected to this, the intelligence to ask, "What if?"
"What if my clients had [fill in the blank]? How can it make their lives better quality, more satisfying, more productive?"
This business paradigm will not be for the faint of heart. It's not built upon market data (backwards targeted), confirmed successes (backwards targeted) or established business practices (backwards focused). It is constructed upon foresight.and the ability to manifest it.
Apple understands. So does Google. Microsoft did once. So did AOL and iomega and numerous others who have tripped, stumbled and gone plummeting off the front pages of the business journals. Corporate success means reinventing oneself every day. These surveyed company leaders know this, even when they don't seem to be presently doing it. Those that will finally act upon it will be around to respond to the next IBM survey. Those who don't???
What if? That's the critical question. Would you be able to present the correct answer?
About the Author
SmartStorming helps organizations solve tough business challenges in new, more innovative ways - with advanced brainstorm leadership training, problem solving techniques, brainstorming activities, and a variety of proven skill organizations need to think more creatively and generate the kinds of ground-breaking ideas that drive innovation. To learn more about SmartStorming, visit their website at SmartStorming.com. http://SmartStorming.com