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“Creativity is connecting things” - Steve Jobs

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“Creativity is connecting things” - Steve Jobs

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Using the “The Innovator’s DNA” approach I began with associating. In this first step I used  journaling as my chosen the medium to assist me with associate my lessons learned, specifically putting pen to paper and giving myself the space to disconnect has proven to be the most effective manor to identify my creative discoveries (Dyer, Gregersen, & Christensen, 2019, Henry, 2019; Robinson, 2006). Moving to the next stage of questioning I tried to remember to embrace my constraints as they taught us in the “The Innovator’s DNA” (Dyer, Gregersen & Christensen, 2019). I also took this opportunity to take advantage of working on board a cruise ship currently; with 92 nationalities on board I was bound to find some inspiration from those around me. Using my networking skills I went to the Digital Manager and asked her for some advice on an online platform that she could suggest for me (Dyer, Gregersen & Christensen, 2019). She showed me a tool to turn my words into a shape, creating a simple piece of art that looks polished and most importantly is also legible and professional. I first had some failed experiments trying to piece together a creative way to display my discoveries and tell my story, after some trial and error I was able to build a template of what aspects of me inspire my creativity. I now invite you to scroll through my portfolio which consists of seven different snap shots.

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Travelling allows me the opportunity to be completely uncomfortable and learn from it. Travelling pushes me out of my box and forces me to make decisions and find your own way without guidance. I also believe that travelling takes away your expectations and forces you to observe your surrounding (Dyer, Gregersen, & Christensen, 2019).

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While some may argue that school stifle creativity, that is certainly not always the case (Robinson, 2006). I was so surprised when I started my masters, everyone seemed so open the journey without the restriction of preconceived outcomes. I remember our professor on the first day telling us that this program would change us, and she couldn’t have been more right.

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While my dog may seem like an odd contributor to this discussion, he is a big part. Not only does he keep me sane during stressful times, he is a constant supporter. Even as I am writing this, he is sitting on me feet waiting for me to go to bed. Zeke makes me get out of the house and walk when I am drained, cheers me up when I am tired, and makes me laugh when I am stressed. Who knew before he came into my life four years ago I never wanted a dog.

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A very different creative outlet for me is teaching. In my career I assist new leaders with developing the skills required. Each individual I mentor provides a new challenge; it requires a different approach each time and is constantly pushing me to find new ways to meet the expectations set. At first I struggled with not having a process I could follow, it took time to understand that the constraints were the process and that the path was constantly evolving (Dyer, Gregersen, & Christensen, 2019).

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For me family is a incredible support and motivator for my creativity. My family has always supported my decisions, even the one where I decided to go live on a boat! While they sometimes question my choices, it is only to ensure that I am seeing all sides of my decisions and not making any blind decisions. My family also had a large impact on my creativity growing up, from a young age I was encouraged to share and express my ideas and opinions. This support and encouragement lead me to discovering my creative outlets and passions.

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Taking a job working on a cruise ship is the biggest risk I have ever taken. I left everything behind to work on a ship that sailed around the world. There is nothing normal about being a crew member, but you will never find a more collaborative work environment. It has been an incredible opportunity to learn about different cultures, religions, countries and languages.

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Looking back this creative outlet taught me more than I could have ever imagined. It taught me discipline, work ethic, courage, freedom of expression, and most importantly it taught me to keep going. Dance was the first way I was able to express myself. The dance studio was a place where I could be vulnerable and it was a chance to turn everything off.

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Dyer, J., Gregersen, H. B., & Christensen, C. M. (2011). The innovators DNA: mastering the five skills of disruptive  innovators. Boston: Harvard Business Review Press.

Echelman, J. (2011). Taking imagination seriously. Retrieved November 4, 2019, from http://www.ted.com/talks/janet_echelman.

Henry, A. (2019, September 20). How and Why to Start Journaling. Retrieved from https://lifehacker.com/why-you-should-keep-a-journal-and-how-to-start-yours-1547057185.

Jeffrey H. Dyer, Hal Gregersen, & Clayton M. Christensen. (2019, March 18). The Innovator's DNA. Retrieved December 1, 2019, from https://hbr.org/2009/12/the-innovators-dna.

Sears, N. (2019). Appreciative Inquiry Interview.

[Tedx Talks]. (DECEMBER 17TH, 2013). I seek Failure: Adam Kreek At TEDxVictora 2013 [Video File]. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8P7Ni1NwB0

Robinson, K. (2006). Do schools kill creativity? Retrieved November 6, 2019, from http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.

Wilhelm, H., Richter, A. W., & Semrau, T. (2014). Overcoming Creative Failure for Sustained Employee Creativity: The Relevance of TeamResources. Academy of Management Proceedings, 2014(1), 16895. doi: 10.5465/ambpp.2014.41