Creativity: A New Gold Standard

By John Malmo

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkno/local-wkno-963877.mp3

Creativity: A New Gold Standard, by John Malmo

Memphis, TN – I was fascinated recently by the newest version of a poll conducted by IBM. It's the fourth biennial, Global CEO Study that polls 1,500 CEOs in sixty countries in thirty-three industries. The principal theme throughout was the increasing complexity of business at virtually every level. But what I find most intriguing is that creativity is the leadership quality these CEOs consider most vital in today's complex environment.

The MBA has long been the gold standard for potential executives. But its proliferation has brought the MBA under scrutiny. On the other hand, creativity, the ability to find creative solutions to competing, is rising to the top in human relations talent hunts, according to marketing consultant John Malmo.

The study reports that standout companies take more calculated risks, find new ideas, and keep innovating in how they lead and communicate. The broader one's experiences and information, the larger one's mental inventory of knowledge and experience from which to draw for solutions to fresh problems. The more a brain is exercised, the quicker it can cross-reference stored data and experience to apply anew.

As one preacher of the value of a liberal arts education as opposed to what I call trade-school majors, this emphasis on creativity excites me.

John Malmo is a marketing consultant who concentrates on helping business owners grow their businesses with effective marketing. To reach Mr. Malmo, hear and read more of his commentaries, or ask him a direct question, go to askmalmo.com.