13 Ways to Destroy Creativity and Innovation
1. Creativity Killer ➤ Keeping people in the dark
- “It’s just not right. I can’t tell you why, but I just don’t like it.”
- “I know exactly what I want, but can’t explain it. When I see it, though, I’ll tell you.”
2. Creativity Killer ➤ Dictatorships
- “Here’s my idea and how to execute it!”.
- “Here’s my idea, what’s yours?”
3. Creativity Killer ➤ Unrealistic time frames
- “It’s only one page. It shouldn’t take more than an hour to complete.”
- “I know there’s no reason to have it tomorrow, but I want it then anyway.”
4. Creativity Killer ➤ Procrastination
- “We really do want suggestions. It’s not our fault if we’re too busy to act on them.”
- “I think we’ve got it now. I only have minor corrections to the thirteenth draft.”
5. Creativity Killer ➤ Formalities and protocol
- “Put it in writing.”<.li>
- “Make sure your ideas conform to our format.”
- “Don’t ask questions, just follow the rules.”
6. Creativity Killer ➤ Bureaucracy
- “It’s a great idea. Now just get the 10 required signoffs and we’re ready to roll.”
7. Creativity Killer ➤ Discouraging new ideas
- “I won’t have time to meet with you, so why don’t you drop it in the mail?”
- “I personally wouldn’t do it, but why don’t you try anyway?”
- “Don’t come up with ideas, just do your job.”
8. Creativity Killer ➤The evaluation process
- “Rather than take the time to give you my comments, it’ll be easier if I take care of it myself.”
9. Creativity Killer ➤ Incentives
- “Why say thank you? It’s his job, isn’t it?”
10. Creativity Killer ➤ Fear of failure
- “Even though you let me down last time, I’m going to give you another chance.”
- “Will you bet your job on it?”
11. Creativity Killer ➤ Politics
- “What will the boss think?”
- “I wonder if my idea will offend anyone.”
12. Creativity Killer ➤ Resistance to change
- “If it’s such a great idea, how come no one ever came up with it before?”
- “We’ve never done it this way before.”
13. Creativity Killer ➤ The caste system
- “Why should I listen to you? It’s not your area of expertise.”