Creative? Here's how to harness these strengths to improve your career
Being creative is a hugely valued strength, but it comes with some pitfalls. We take a look at how you can compensate for them.
The Red Bull Wingfinder test splits creativity into six strengths: 'Classical', 'Open to Experience', 'Focused', 'Adaptable', 'Pragmatic', and 'Innovative'. So, on one end of the scale you have people who are logical and analytical thinkers, and on the other those on the original and innovative side.
No matter where your creative strength lies on that scale, it works for you and brings unique benefits. However, it's important to also acknowledge occasions where these strengths can get you into trouble.
Across Wingfinder's six creative strengths, we've identified the common pitfalls in each. Not only that, but we've gone one further and looked at how you can compensate for those areas of weakness by concentrating on the right strengths – both in yourself and in the people you work alongside. Let's get started.
Classical and Sociable
Being 'Classical' with your creativity means that you stay true to your principles, and prefer to rely on the tried-and-tested and the familiar. With this approach you choose the stability and security of conformity and tradition, which means you may often find yourself resisting change or avoiding new opportunities.
If that's the case, it's important to break the habit. This can be done by expanding your thinking, and adopting different principles to those you've been holding close to your chest. The best way of doing that is by actively seeking the perspective of others. So, while you should still embrace your classical approach, focus also on your connections, and particularly being more 'Sociable'.
Being more sociable can help you to think outside of the box
© Dave Mackison/Red Bull Content Pool
Open to Experience and Diplomatic
Being 'Open to Experience' means you appreciate novelty, diversity and innovation. With this strength, you're comfortable with change, and often see things others don’t, which results in you to often challenge their ways of thinking. This can sometimes lead to conflict.
To overcome this, you need to learn how to best express your progressive ideas, when to express them, and when to say nothing at all. One way to achieve this is by being more 'Diplomatic' in your connections with others.
Focusing on this strength will enable you to understand the views and needs of others better, as you build warmer, stronger relationships. You may even find that their input will bring your ideas to life in ways you hadn't ever considered.
Focused and Agile
'Focused' people are able to concentrate on a single problem at hand without getting sidetracked by distractions. That means you enjoy structure, but you rarely challenge yourself to think outside of the box and explore alternative solutions.
So, while staying focused is a valued strength (particularly in the digital era), it can be complemented with agility. Being 'Agile' means you excel at quickly solving complex problems using your logic and reason. Not only that, but you're always willing to learn, which allows you to absorb alternate ways of thinking.
Adaptable and Disciplined
Being 'Adaptable' is all about your ability to cope with and embrace change. This means you're great at adjusting to everything life throws at you. But sometimes you can be too good at it.
'Adaptable' people often find it hard to stick to one task, one role, and even one path in life, through to completion. If that's you, then acknowledge your itchy feet and focus on developing your drive. Specifically, look to be more 'Disciplined' by pulling together a thorough plan. This will help you to manage yourself better, and stay focused.
Pragmatic and Innovative
Being 'Pragmatic' means you always prefer to stay grounded, focusing on practicality and a results-based approach. Your method of keeping things simple is often for the best, but you can become all-too-familiar with common logic-based solutions. It's important to remember that what worked before might not work again in the future.
If you’re pragmatic, actively seek out innovative people
© Alan Sahin / Red Bull Content Pool
The best solution to this pitfall is within creativity itself. Make an effort to work with 'Innovative' people a little more to balance out your way of thinking. Soon enough you'll be able to independently challenge yourself to see other possibilities beyond the familiar.
Innovative and Analytical
'Innovative' people are able to think differently, and find new solutions. Not only can you generate original ideas, but you then apply them in useful, practical ways. But while you're great at coming up with new concepts, there's such a thing as coming up with too many, particularly when few are leaving your head and appearing in the real-world.
To make sure that you stick with a new idea all the way, complement your innovative skills with 'Analytical' thinkers. They're able to work methodically, and remain objective to think through a situation before diving straight in. With the correct balance, you'll be able to transform your ideas into real innovations.
If you haven’t done so already, why not take the Red Bull Wingfinder test today? It's completely free, will take only half an hour, and will guide you to take what you're already good and go even further.
