Creativity and Intelligence:
The Rules are Changing
People have long wondered about the link between creativity and intelligence.
Normally, we think of this link in several common ways. (Please forgive my broad generalizations; you'll see where I'm going. . .)
First, we often think of a creative genius and attribute them extraordinary intelligence. Frequently, we view this intelligence as far beyond the workings of the normal, logical mind. Think Leonardo Da Vinci.
Second, we frequently think of a creative genius as highly intelligent but tormented. Think Vincent Van Gogh.
And third, people frequently think of creative souls as those sitting around all day painting, making sculptures, and unable to get a "real job." In our culture, somehow, being an artist can be viewed almost as deviant behavior.
 Although these commons associations between creativity and intelligence have persisted for many years, the relationship between creativity and intelligence is changing rapidly.
Here's how: In short, creativity and right brain thinking will drive the economy of the future.
In his excellent book, A Whole New Mind, Dan Pink argues shifting economic forces are creating a new economy. Just as we transitioned from the Industrial Age to the Information Age, we are transitioning to a new type of economy captured in the term the "Conceptual Age."
In the conceptual age, creators and empathizers will be the leading edge of the workforce, and right brain thinking will be the most important differentiator.
Now, the Conceptual Age does not mean that misty-eyed poets will take over the world.
Rather, major economic forces, which Pink identifies as Asia, Abundance, and Automation, are drastically changing the way we think about value :
- Abundance: In an age of easy availability of numerous of products, what distinguishes products in the future will be good design. Those people and companies who can differentiate their products in the hearts of their customers will win in the long run. (Think Apple.)
- Asia: More and more highly complex analytical work is being outsourced oversees or performed online. This includes accounting, legal, IT, and medical work. To compete against their counterparts overseas, professionals in these domains will need to learn to provide very high-touch services to clients. This requires much more than analytical thinking; it requires empathy, holistic thinking, and the ability to help clients make meaning out of their situations.
- Automation: Computers can now perform much of the analytical work previously performed by highly paid analytical thinkers. Think Turbo Tax. Similarly to the pattern above, professionals in these analytical fields will need to develop high-touch skills.
Again, the need for Left Brain analytical thinking will not go away. It will be a necessary but not sufficient aptitude in the new economy.
Those who come out ahead will be those who use creativity to differentiate products, stories to help us make meaning of our lives, and empathy to provide high-touch solutions to clients.
To develop your creativity and intelligence - in the new way intelligence will come to be defined - Pink suggests you hone your skills in several new areas:
- Design - aesthetics, style
- Story - crafting narrative
- Symphony - synthesizing, holistic thinking
- Empathy - relating to the situations of others
- Play - having fun
- Meaning - helping others find meaning and purpose in their lives
I would highly recommend Dan Pink's book that describes the changing the rules of intelligence and creativity if you're interested in learning more. In addition to mapping out the trends, he provides numerous exercises for developing your creative capacities.
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