Page 82 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 02 11/20/02 11:37 AM Page 71
CREATIVITY INHIBITORS Lighting the Creativity Lamp 71

Although there are likely an unlimited number of strategies for encouraging creativity,
there are also factors that can block your creativity and that of your learners. By identi-
fying and dealing with such factors in advance, you can potentially reduce or eliminate
them in your sessions. Some typical creativity inhibitors include the following (see also
Table 2-1).

Organizational Culture

The organizational environment in which you work or train can either spark or extin-
guish your creative lamp and that of your learners. If your supervisor or organization
effectively plans and welcomes change and new ideas, you are more likely to experi-
ment with program format and the way you approach learning. Likewise, participants
are more likely to become excited and actively involved in brainstorming ideas and

Table 2-1. Trainer Characteristics

Creative Trainers Average Trainers

Model creativity. Make excuses for not being creative.

Continually search for creative alternatives. Accept status quo.
Encourage participant involvement. Stifle involvement.

Celebrate creative thinking. Discourage creative thinking.

Make time for creativity. Use limited time as an excuse.
Partner with participants through activity. Control participant thinking and activity.

Interact. Lecture.

Have a broad range of knowledge and interests. Are narrow minded.
Seek new knowledge and skills. Are satisfied meeting minimum standards.