Strategy needs Creativity

Arne van Oosterom
2 min readApr 19, 2024

--

In business, people often see strategy and creativity as two separate lanes: one is analytical and the other, imaginative. But really, they’re more connected than we think. Strategy is often only about planning and pattern recognition, while creativity is about linking different ideas and perspectives. When we blend the two, we discover new ways to solve problems and push boundaries.

Both strategy and creativity draw heavily on our ability to imagine and feel. We’re driven by these human qualities to explore potential and craft plans that resonate on a deeper level. Recognizing the link between them helps us make smarter decisions and build more meaningful strategies.

Today’s business world doesn’t just reward the strong; it favors the flexible. Businesses must adapt to survive. This means continuously learning from our mistakes and encouraging growth at every level. Adaptability isn’t just a handy skill — it’s central to how modern businesses operate.

Creating a workplace where people can try new things without fear makes a big difference. When people feel safe to suggest and experiment, innovation isn’t far behind. Companies thrive when they build communities where everyone has a say, and different views are valued.

However, talking about change isn’t enough; we need to embody it. Organizations often fall short by not aligning their systems and structures with the behaviors they want to encourage. It’s like asking someone to be inventive but tying their hands. Our organizational setup should support and boost the culture of innovation we aim to foster.

In conclusion, merging strategy with creativity is crucial today. We do this by promoting adaptability, nurturing a supportive culture, and reshaping our organizational frameworks. By doing so, we create businesses that are not just robust but also innovative, caring, and set for long-term success.

--

--

Arne van Oosterom
Arne van Oosterom

Written by Arne van Oosterom

Podcaster, Founder Future Skills Academy, Blue Sky Republic, Creative Leadership Coach, Founder DesignThinkers Academy and Group

No responses yet