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.”