“I suspect that another reason for the creativity gap in the leadership ranks is that many creative thinkers are introverts. Studies suggest that innovation often requires solitude – and that the majority of spectacularly creative people across a range of fields are introverts, or at least comfortable with spending large chunks of time alone.
People who like to spend time alone are decidedly at odds with today’s team-based organizational culture. Introverts are much less likely than extroverts to be groomed for leadership positions, according to management research, even though another Wharton study led by Professor Adam Grant found that introverted leaders outperform extroverted ones when managing proactive employees — precisely because they give them the freedom to dream up and implement new ideas.”
From “Why Creative People Are Rarely Seen as Leaders, and What To Do About It,” by Susan Cain
In the News: From Zimbabwe
In a recent opinion piece from Zimbabwe, Dr. Tony Monda, author and art critic, writes about the “popular notion” that “madness is linked with creative thinking” and the importance of nurturing young artists: One must note that there is huge emotional vulnerability that accompanies creative thought and artistic genius. It is therefore important for artists …