The value of creativity has been discussed by many of today’s and yesterday’s business visionaries. Michael Dell said “It’s through curiosity and looking at opportunities in new ways that we’ve always mapped our path at Dell”. And the great Bill Gates said “I’ve always been an optimist and I suppose that is rooted in my belief that the power of creativity and intelligence can make the world a better place”. Also one of the worlds most noted scientists Albert Einstein wrote “Imagination is more important then knowledge”. We all hear people mention the value of “being creative”, “thinking out of the box”, and the all too common “let’s brain storm on this”. So if business people are looking for creativity so hard why is so hard to find? And if it’s so important why do large and small companies leave it to be completely by chance?

Successful businesses and business leaders do things with intent. The development of creativity needs to be approached in much the same way. The organization needs to create an atmosphere that fosters creativity. Walking into large and small business offices one sees gray cubicles, bare walls, small conference room. Semi-isolated employees in small areas covered by creativity removing colors, visions, and sounds.

So what can companies do to improve this most critical element called creativity. It is amazing how much can be done with such a small investment. First a company can replace the standard corporate in machinery posters in the conference rooms, hall ways and offices with beautiful oil paintings. Hand painted reproductions of great masters such as Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet, and Klimt stimulate the creative juices of employees. The inspiration of these great visionaries have a unique affect on our creative mind. Investing in hand painted art as oppose to just a flat print is surprisingly inexpensive and the added life and impact is priceless.

The next stage is to invest in a simple sound system to play classical music. If it is inappropriate in some work zones then designate break rooms and conference rooms for music. A study by the university of California, Irvine demonstrated that IQ scores rise significantly, although temporarily, when subjects are tested while listening to Mozart.

Finally if you can designate a room that becomes your company’s (or branch if you have multiple locations) thinking room. It can be a conference room or a break room. It can be called the brain storm room, the think tank, the creativity center, or any other creative name. Incorporate the ideas listed above and add some comfortable furniture. Place some small toys, crayons, markers and paper. Let employees express themselves a few times a day. You can even have a mandatory “10 minutes thinking time”.

It is important to enjoy this process and let your own creativity dictate some of your steps.