My Triad: Strategy, Creativity, and Leadership

A very wise person once taught me that a triad is a system of three inter-related concepts. I love the triad of Strategy, Creativity, and Leadership.

As humans, our ability to imagine and create is unique in this world. On a philosophical and spiritual level, I believe we honor the divine (however we conceive of that) as well as our fellow humans – in essence, we fulfill our unique purpose in the world – when we intentionally exercise our creative capabilities. This applies not only in the creative arts, but in all aspects of our lives – including our work.

Organizational leaders are wise when they honor the creative potential of their team members, and find ways to align this source of energy and value with their missions. Creativity and imagination can be leveraged throughout the organization, from line-level customer experience and business process improvements all the way to the charismatic expression of purpose and strategy. As a strategist I am always challenged to powerfully and compellingly express a collective desire to create a different future for the company. Strategy is, in and of itself, a wonderful exercise in creation.

Tapping into employees’ creativity and imagination is particularly important for the generation just starting their careers, who are much more focused on generating meaning through their work, and working for organizations that care for more than economic returns.

But it’s not just about employee engagement and retention. Employee imagination and creativity are the ultimate source of sustainable competitive differentiation and insurance against competitive disruption. Indeed, the organization can disrupt itself – reinvent itself through the creative process.

As a collaborator, creator, and strategist, I help companies to clarify their vision and planning for the future, and to ensure that they have a renewable source of creative energy from their people to ensure the long-term fulfillment of organizational potential and shareholder value.  I do this through the use of proven and applicable strategic frameworks, carefully orchestrated workshops, and pragmatically designed and implemented programs.

That’s my triad. What’s yours?