Creativity is the only thing that will set you apart. It is what makes you unique.

I recently saw a post on LinkedIn, “marketers need to be more creative!”. But the truth is, the call for creative thinking extends far beyond marketing departments. It's a call to action for leaders across industries, a critical antidote to the ever-present pressure to rely solely on data-driven decision-making, often times removing the human element. 

While data analysis is undeniably valuable, a singular focus on metrics can stifle innovation and breed a culture of risk aversion and fear. This creates a paradox: We crave progress, yet cling to the comfort of numbers, often missing the human element that data can't capture. To understand this, we have to take a closer look at how we as a society often view creativity. 

Redefining Creativity in Leadership

Our societal perception of creativity is often limited. We’ve been told to picture artists with palettes or sculptors with chisels. We’ve also been told that art is best left as a hobby. But true leadership demands a different kind of outlook and ultimately a different kind of creativity. It's the ability to envision possibilities, to forge new paths, and to inspire others to move beyond the status quo. It’s the ability to challenge others, challenge processes, challenge the data, and see beyond what’s already been done. 

Success has always required calculated risks, identified unmet needs, and building something entirely new. This requires a level of creative problem-solving that transcends the realm of spreadsheets and charts.

This video is too good not to share, as it illustrates my point exactly. 

Seeing Creativity Where it is Often Overlooked 

Creativity isn't reserved for the “artsy” crowd. Consider the legendary (and infamous) Al Capone.  His accountant, through ingenious (and illegal) financial maneuvering, managed to keep his empire afloat for years. Here's the point: Accounting, often seen as a rigid discipline, can be a canvas for creative problem-solving, albeit within ethical boundaries.

Even the most formulaic industries, careers, and roles have room for creativity. And this is exactly what allows for progress, evolution, and the human spirit to thrive. 

The Deceptive Power of Data

Numbers can lull us into a false sense of security. They appear objective, irrefutable. Yet, data is only as good as its interpretation and context. As Hans Rosling, the author of the acclaimed book “Factfulness,” points out, data can be easily weaponized through omission, manipulation, and a lack of context. These “lonely numbers,” as Rosling calls them, paint a distorted picture, leading to biased decisions.

This point was driven home for me recently in a conversation I had with an executive. Their proposed project was stuck in limbo. The manager kept requesting more and more data, seemingly searching for a reason to reject it. The frustrated executive offered a sharp retort: “There are countless ways to interpret data. What specific metrics are you truly interested in? I can pull reports that demonstrate this project's value.” I’m not saying this was the correct response, simply that the implication was clear: the manager's data requests were a smokescreen, and the executive could manipulate the presentation to fit any desired outcome. 

Data becomes a shield, allowing leaders to distance themselves from difficult choices. Layoffs become a matter of “the numbers” rather than human stories. This impersonal approach fosters a disconnect and erodes trust within teams.

So what can leaders do?

The Humanity Missing from the Spreadsheet

So does this mean we can’t trust data? No. I’m simply saying often instead of looking at data as a creative pursuit, we irresponsibly read numbers as if those are the facts.

Data would tell you that you can stand behind a horse. I promise you, you shouldn’t stand behind a horse. The human element is what data typically lacks.

Real-life situations are complex and nuanced. People aren't mere statistics. Reducing individuals to data points creates a culture of categorization and separation. It removes community, it removes human elements, it removes creativity which is, at its core, what makes humanity unique. 

Hiding behind numbers is easy when we have created our own inadequacy by building a world of radically greater complexity.

Leading with Creativity: A Call to Action

So, what does this mean for leaders? It's time to embrace a more holistic approach. Data remains a valuable tool, but it shouldn't be the sole driver. Here are some ways to foster a culture of creative leadership:

• Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe space for diverse perspectives and ideas to flourish.

• Embrace Experimentation: Don't be afraid to test new ideas, even if they seem unconventional. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: explore with childlike curiosity.

• Empower Your Team: Give your team members the autonomy to explore creative solutions. You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room. Empower others to collaborate with you to make a real impact. 

• Celebrate Innovation: Recognize and reward creative thinking across all levels of your organization. Even if it’s a failure. Celebrate the failure as an opportunity for exploration. 

By prioritizing creativity alongside data analysis, leaders can unlock a new level of innovation and human connection, ultimately propelling their teams and organizations forward.