How Not To Be Creative

It’s a given that good ideas do nothing but ruffle up the status quo. Changes means disruption, and disruption means you’re not walking out the door at 5.01 pm. Let’s face it. A culture built on creativity and innovation does nothing more than set people up for disappointment and failure.

So, help me nip this creativity hoo-ha in its proverbial bud. If you’re with me, here are my ten suggestions on how not to be creative, for yourself, for your team.

1. Tell people exactly how to do their jobs. Do it by email, never in person. If you have to speak to someone, it’s preferable to shout.

2. Pretend to listen to people. In the end, the only opinions which count are yours.

3. Keep your circle of contacts small. Relationships are exhausting. Outside perspectives can’t be relevant to what you already know.

4. When you see activity, say “that won’t work.”

5. Have fun … but only if “fun” means “taking things away from other people.”

6. Ignore facts. Research is for people without self-confidence. Intuition in another word for interference.

7. Keep all the information to yourself. Information is not just power, it’s control.

8. Hire people just like you. Just because a person’s different doesn’t mean they’re useful.

9. Change is weakness. Stay the course. If you can find them, wear blinders.

10. If all else fails, ignore, procrastinate and blame others. You’re the boss now. You’ve earned that right!

(Did I mention that today is National Sarcasm Day)?

Any other tips to add to immolate creativity in your organization?