Research typically gets caught up in a game of Chinese whispers once it reaches the media and then takes on a life of its own. Less interesting than the actual research which seems narrow, is the heated debate that surrounds the topic of ‘the relationship between creativity and leadership.’ If the question is whether or not creative people are capable of rising to leadership roles, it is important to consider the context of that role. Creative people are ground breakers and innovators, they are not followers which is probably the main reason why they are not often found in corporate or government ranks (where right wing views tell us leaders congeal), but rather out in the world starting entrepreneurial ventures. I think creative people are difficult to harness, less because they are ‘quirky’ and more because they are visionaries who are reluctant to tow somebody else’s party line. If creative aren’t rising to the top of corporations…I doubt it is so much a case of ‘not being able to lead’, as ‘not being drawn to environments that have not yet learned the skill of how to nurture, celebrate and reap the benefits of creativity’. I somehow think we create types aren’t the ones missing the opportunity….
