– by Nkosingiphile Ntshangase
On the 22nd of September 2020, we hosted the ‘Creativity is a New Power’ Webinar to enlighten and inspire those trying to navigate through the VUCA world. The business landscape of today is rapidly changing and is interconnected by many shifting elements, which has significantly affected the processes of decision making, planning, and projection. Living in a VUCA world has introduced an uncomfortable and unpredictable environment for many businesses and is influenced by the continuous technological advancements made. Creativity is a new way of solving business challenges that is essential in innovative leadership. The demands of businesses and organisations in the fourth industrial revolution are more complex thus rendering orthodox techniques obsolete. Understanding how disruptive environments such as COVID-19 can affect business will assist in being prepared in the future with similar disruptions.
Creativity is often the spark for innovation, bringing about new methods to power growth and give life to new industries through technology. Throughout the industrial revolutions, there has been a need for ‘automation’ relevant to that era that threatened certain professions of the working world. They say that ‘knowledge is power’ however in the 21st century, creativity has proven to be king when it comes to business. The ability to have a unique thought and possess tangible skills that can’t be replicated by machines is where your power lies and is a contributing factor to the resilience and adaptability of organisations when disruptions occur.
Leadership in the VUCA world requires active awareness and trying to understand a challenge from different perspectives. An organisation’s vision should evolve with the times and adapting the business process is critical for a company’s success. The rise of technology has reshaped society and consumerism, and a consequence of this has been bringing on fresh ideas to accommodate these changes. Keeping the connection between a business and the culture pushes boundaries and gives businesses that competitive edge with embracing the power of creativity.
To watch Professor Field’s full webinar, click here.
Please check our website for updates on this series and to RSVP for upcoming webinars, click here.
