Earth’s creatures test new ideas all of the time.  This Scientific American article shows that survival helps and hinders creativity. One study discussed notes how the economically challenged find solving problems in new situations more difficult. Further studies of this effect show that financial help positively impacts cognitive performance. Meeting basic needs makes us all more able to take advantage of opportunities.

Their decisions don’t often match. They fear taking a risk on a less proven idea. That prevents employees from discussing controversial or unpopular ideas.  More support needs to be built into workplace system to show employees how to accept and implement creative ideas. They have to reward thinking like artists in ways that encourages action.

“The role of creative expression, as with the role of critical reflection, is to uncover them, and help us understand them more deeply. And creativity, like thought, takes quiet time and a sense of space to encounter it with our full attention.”