Can the professional world sometimes hinder or obstruct efficiency, or creativity ? Can it be changed to be more conducive of these values ?

Every industry and workplace needs creative people to succeed and grow. Whether you’re working in construction, writing stories for an online news agency or crunching numbers as an accountant, being creative leads to new ideas and ways of doing things. Many of our greatest inventions came from creative people who dared to do more and think outside the box. And let’s face it, work that is creative is a lot more fun.

It’s easy for the professional world to challenge and stifle creativity– forcing you into the same routine every day without any time or opportunity to be imaginative.

But there is a way you can thrive in whatever career path you choose. Remember to stay curious and learn everything you can. Make time to meet new people. Ask how things work. Use the excitement and passion you have to look at the big picture and share your ideas with those around you – a manager, a colleague or even a friend.

You’ll be surprised at how people will come to appreciate your creative thoughts and enthusiasm. Your energy can help drive new ideas and change corporate cultures. Think about the people who suggested creating the Amazon Alexa or the first mobile phone. Each used their creativity to generate a new idea – and now nearly everyone uses these products. Being creative truly can change the world. 

Yes, your work setup can sometimes hinder or obstruct efficiency or creativity , but it's on you to identify any redundancy or unnecessary barriers and advocate for the change. Some inefficiencies and road blocks are there by design and serve a specific purpose - there is a reason why we have speed limits on our streets. However, many others exist simply because no one has thought of a better way to do things. If you are the kind of a person who can untangle and simplify complex issues, you'll be appreciated wherever you end up working.

From my experience, large corporations can hinder individual creativity due to rules and boundaries set and in place. The most creative environment I ever worded in was at an advertising agency. If you are an art director or copywriter you take what a client is looking for and run with it. It may have to go through a number of iterations via the creative department but your idea could be the one used in a print ad, commercial etc.

Efficiencies and Creativity are important in most workplaces.  Efficiencies make for better work flows for employees that make them more efficient and happy employees.  Creativity sparks new initiatives and business getting ideas.  Both of these promote a more profitable company so employers are more open to these ideas as they see value in them.  

Workplaces cultures will differ on how they execute this based on their priorities.  There can be a reluctance to change and upset the status quo at times and there are limitations on how far a company can change due to existing infrastructure and budgets which can be frustrating. Sometimes these restrictions cause you to come up with even more creative solutions though.

Companies are also being more creative in how they are engaging with their employees from years past. Look for different learning opportunities to join a focus or volunteer group.  Often these other opportunities get you out of your silo and interact with others across your organization.  It is also an opportunity to flex some of your other skills that you may not use with your everyday work.

You should not wait for your employer to be the one who initiates creative opportunities - you have the ability to change this even in small ways. I have challenged myself to bring my group together this year with some fun activities - from a Pot Luck, Hot Sauce label design competition and a video game tournament - this has allowed me to channel some of my creative needs.

I would look at the mission statement of a company you are interested in – that can often tell you how open they are to efficiency and creativity and if their work culture is somewhere you will match with.