Being Creative at Work

QUESTION

Dear Joey, I am a fiction writer and music lover who is now working in a more professional office position, which usually does not allow me to use the creative aspects of my mind that I so love tapping into.

While I respect the formalities that must be adhered to in my position, I would truly enjoy including more of my creative tendencies in my professional life.

Do you have any suggestions on how those who work office-oriented positions can tap into their inventive sides and include more of their imaginations in their careers?

—Rachel

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ANSWER

Dear Rachel, your question has been stuck in my head for weeks. As someone who doesn’t work in a typical office setting (we refer to Baronfig’s workplace as “the studio”, and try to reflect that small, but meaningful difference in the way we operate), it took some effort for me to develop a suitable response.

I eventually figured it out while walking my dog, Luigi. Like so many ideas, I don’t know where it came from or why it chose that moment to appear, but once I realized the answer I finally felt ready to respond to your question. Without further adieu:

The best way to be creative at work is to shift your focus from “what” you’re doing to “how” you’re doing it.

At work we don’t often have control over what it is that we’re tasked to do. Even though I’m a leader at Baronfig and responsible for many of the tasks that get assigned, this still applies to me as well. I have a certain set of skills and experiences that make me the best person to execute a host of tasks, whether I’m excited about them or not.

While I can’t choose what some of these noncreative tasks are, I can be creative in the methods I employ to get them done.

For example, you could choose to add layers of versatility to a spreadsheet by making it more dynamic. (Or you could simply make it colorful.) If you’re interviewing customers, you could put together an experience that helps get better answers. You get the idea.

The flag needs to cross the finish line, but the vehicle you choose to take it there is entirely up to you.

• • •

When I first I received your question I knew it was important that it get an answer, even though I didn’t have one to give. So, in a subsequent Eureka issue (some of you may remember this), I posed Rachel's question to fellow readers.

Here are a couple of standout suggestions:

• Andi T. responded: “As a creative writer and thinker, I try to find ways to infuse art and creativity into my work day, including: Making sure I read a poem, piece of short fiction, short article about an artist, etc., before I start working. Thinking of my daily work as an artist would—slowly, intentionally, from new perspectives. It's not always possible to WORK creatively, but it's always possible to THINK creatively.”

• Heather D. responded: “I, too, am a music lover! During the pandemic, I started a music [club] to keep my coworkers connected while we were all working from home. It was a huge success! The league introduced everyone to different types of music and it even encouraged friendly banter! (There was always one that liked corny pop music! Haha!) We are on our fourth edition even though half of us have returned to the office!”

Work doesn’t have to be “work” from top to bottom. You can integrate your interests to inspire you, or you can find others at work to share your interests and make your creative passion a part of your work culture.

I hope there’s something here that you find useful.

—Joey

A peek into the aforementioned Baronfig Studio. Luigi included.