Creativity as a Decision: Wisdom from Robert Sternberg

Robert Sternberg is a psychologist who has studied an astounding range of topics, from wisdom, to intelligence, to creativity, to love, to leadership.  I’ve been doing some reading on creativity this morning, and I ran into this quote from Sternberg in a comment that he wrote in the American Psychologist in 2002,  which he titled “Creativity as a Decision” (This was published in the May issue on page 376):

 

“If psychologists wish to teach creativity, they likely will do better to encourage people to decide for creativity, to impress on them the joys of making this decision, and also to inoculate them for some of the challenges attendant on this decision. Deciding for creativity does not guarantee that creativity will emerge, but without the decision, it certainly will not. As a mentor, nothing makes me happier than watching at least a substantial proportion of the students I have mentored make this decision. They decide that they may pay a price but that it is a price worth paying. By making this decision, they transform both their own lives and the lives of others. What greater reward can life hold?”

 

I like this both because it doesn’t sugar coat or over glorify creativity.  And its simplicity reminds me of Karl Weick’s lovely insight that people move through three stages as they gain knowledge about a subject: From overly simplistic, too overly complex, to – in rare cases – elegantly simple.  Sternberg seems to be getting to the third stage!   Sternberg argues that there are many studies and complex findings about creativity (e.g., does it require high or low self-esteem?), but the common theme he sees is that creative people have made the decision to be creative, regardless of setbacks and frustrations.  And his simple insight that deciding to be creative does not assure creativity, but without that decision, it is sure not to happen is intriguing.

Comments

[Bob Sutton]

Robyn,

I agree completely, indeed, there is a good argument that school teaches children to conform and to fear being creative or different. See the lovely book Orbiting the Giant Hairball for a great discussion of this point.

[Robyn]

While I agree a decision to be creative has to be made for creativity to become manifest, I think most people make the decision almost unconsciously. As children, we decide to paint or draw or build a fort out of box or a tent out of a blanket. As we grow, however, many of us lose the spirit of play that invites creativity.

[Bill Reichart]

Good thought, it all starts with a decision. You are right it doesn't guarantee creativity, but it is the first step. Also, I think a decision has to be made to not have to strive for perfection in creativity.
http://www.ministrybestpractices.com/2008/06/creativity-doesnt-come-from-perfection.html

[Michael Sporer]

I so much agree with Mr. Sternberg! The decision brings lots of baggage, but it is the good kind. Check out Ben Zander's TED talk if you get a chance. He has so much creative fire....

Mike