Creativity and Productivity

An artist possesses inspiration and creativity. They create almost from nothing, using their imagination and often drawing upon the works or ideas of other creators or “schools” of thought.

However, creativity is not only for artists. A leader, entrepreneur, scientist, or professional also needs creativity when called to find new ways to launch a product, improve customer communication, increase sales, or reduce production time and cost.

Creativity, therefore, is what makes the difference. It relies on the uniquely human ability of imagination — the capacity to combine ideas, thoughts, and data to create something new.

Creativity can take two forms:

Improvement, when something that already exists is developed or refined (e.g., a more efficient technique).

Innovation, when something entirely new is created that disrupts existing norms and offers solutions that did not previously exist.

On the other hand, productivity refers to the ability to perform something effectively, in the shortest possible time and with the lowest possible cost. For example, a productive technician, thanks to their knowledge and experience, can build or repair a machine correctly, quickly, and with minimal waste of resources.

In the business world, both creativity and productivity are essential. There’s no point in having great ideas if we cannot implement them efficiently.

How can we enhance our creativity and productivity?

Give space and time for creation.
Creativity needs freedom of thought and time. Avoid quick judgments — both of yourself and others. Encourage your team to propose improvement ideas and reward the effort. Out of twenty ideas, one might be exceptional — and that one could make all the difference.

Organize brainstorming sessions.
Hold regular meetings by department (production, sales, accounting, procurement, etc.) and ask each member to contribute concrete ideas for improving processes or results. Record all suggestions, vote on the best ones, and commit to implementing the most valuable.

Automate and simplify.
Automation is key to productivity. Systematize repetitive processes and ensure they’re carried out efficiently, with clarity and ergonomic design. Whatever can be simplified — simplify it!

Measure time.
Time is the most valuable asset of any business. Measure production times, call durations, customer service response times, and order completion speed. Then experiment with reducing them without compromising quality. You’ll be surprised how much more efficiently things can be done.

Alternate creativity and productivity.
Tasks that are purely mechanical or repetitive (like invoicing or checking deliveries) should be balanced with more creative activities. Creativity activates the brain’s right hemisphere, while productivity engages the left. A balanced use of both enhances mental harmony, refreshes the mind, and ultimately boosts performance.

Maintain optimism and a positive mindset.
Pessimism drains motivation. If we keep repeating that “things are difficult,” our subconscious will look for proof that we can’t succeed. In contrast, a positive attitude activates a winning mindset and drives us to find solutions. As research shows (e.g., Barbara Fredrickson’s broaden-and-build theory), positive emotions expand our thinking, enhance creativity, and strengthen relationships — all of which lead to greater effectiveness.

Don’t persist in the wrong things.
Often we stick with something that doesn’t work simply because we’ve invested time or money — or because we fear it will seem like a failure to abandon it. True maturity lies in recognizing when something isn’t working and having the courage to stop it. Whether it’s a product that doesn’t sell or a strategy that yields no results, changing direction is a sign of wisdom, not defeat.

The combination of creative thinking and productive discipline — the fusion of imagination with organization — is the key to creating something truly meaningful and standing out in the professional world.