This definition of how to learn jazz (from the imitable trumpet player Clark Terry) is often referenced as a way to develop creativity in music. The same process holds as true in business as it does in the arts. First, we copy others, then absorb and more deeply understand what we are actually doing. Finally, we are in a position to create something new from that prior model.
I’ve been trying this approach with teaching my children the art of the ‘knock knock’ joke. They are on the way but still not quite there yet. As an example, my youngest (who just turned 4) tried this one on me this past weekend:
T: knock knock
Me: who’s there?
T: me
Me: me who?
T: no, not you. Me!
Clearly, the imitation part is there. But assimilation is definitely missing!
This blog post will not be an effort to define creativity but an attempt to look at a way to reposition creativity beyond the creative arts.
A classical musician who is performing other people’s work may be very creative and they may be very musical. But it is possible to be very musical without being terribly creative and it is possible to be highly creative without being particularly musical. The creative arts aren’t always necessarily creative and they certainly aren’t the exclusive domain of creativity.
Consider the renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Ma’s 1985 recordings of the Bach cello suites established him as a soloist and demonstrated a high level of musicality. But, he didn’t present anything actually ‘new’. This is not to say that Ma is not creative. His output since 1985 has featured an extraordinary range of inputs and his work (as a musician, educator, and arts leader) has proven to be highly original. Does ‘being creative’ actually mean we need to produce something that hasn’t been made before? I argue that it does not. Being creative means developing innovating ideas, concepts and outputs. Creativity could re-invent the wheel, rather coming up with a different way of moving a car.
As soon as a company hires a Chief Innovation Officer, or Chief Creative Officer, it is tempting to cede all responsibility for innovation and creativity to that person. However, a single person (regardless of how innovative or creative they might be) can’t innovate or create for an entire organisation. Creativity and Innovation must be a core value of the organisation for creativity and innovation to be nurtured and allowed to thrive.
We are all capable of being creative, as much as we are capable of being innovative. Creative thought exists in all fields, not just the creative arts. And creativity is needed everywhere, not just in the arts.
Imitate, Assimilate, Innovate
Clark Terry
