Dispositions & Skills of Creativity.
There are 33 dispositions and skills associated with creativity. The dispositions and skills come out of three creativity frameworks:
- Torrance’s Creativity Skill Set
- Williams' Thinking & Feeling Concepts
- Creative Problem Solving–Thinking Skills Model (Cognitive and Affective Skills)
To intentionally engage with ten of the dispositions/skills, focus was given to them for several days at a time. The following questions help focus attention and awareness of the dispositions/skills role in everyday life: What helps you be creative? What is an area of development you are seeking to improve? Why is it important? Compelling? Essential? What are some ways to improve it? Below are the 33 dispositions/skills listed in alphabetical order.
Be Aware of Emotions
The other day I was confronted by a co-worker who was in an emotionally heightened frame of mind. Words I spoke to them were taken the wrong way and presumably feelings were hurt. During the pursuing exchange I practiced being aware of my emotions; both how his words were affecting me, and how my own thoughts and interpretations of his words were affecting me. It was a good exercise to take the time to be aware of my own emotions before engaging with the words being spoken. Being aware and slower to respond helped me keep a healthy perspective and gave me more options when it came to my own reactions.
Be Flexible
While working with a colleague to develop a one-hour training module, we both had our own ideas of what the content, approach, and learning engagement might look like. As we discussed our ideas, I found that I was not understanding the direction and ideas that my colleague was sharing. Instead of presenting my own ideas again, I decided to ask them to clarify their ideas—to elaborate on their thoughts. I was still not completely understanding their suggestion, however, I decided to release my own control on the process and asked, "Ok, so what will your idea look like?" I choose to be flexible and support their ideas without fully understanding their plan. I took a supporting role and choose to go along with their ideas. Being flexible allowed me to support my colleague with my creativity, ideation, and elaboration skills once I understood what they were proposing.
Be Original
Breakthrough—Expand the Boundaries
Combine and Synthesize
One thing I enjoy doing is exposing myself to different cuisines and ethnic foods. I have a saying that has served me well when it comes to food: "I will try anything twice". Why twice? Because the first time it may not have been prepared well, or it may have been a shock to my pallet. I believe individuals can learn to like foods they originally found to be unappealing, such as kimchi for myself. When I cook at home I will often experiment with combinations of cross cultural ingredients. The other day I was imaging what a combination of Mexican and Korean food might taste like. Both cuisines use rice, chilies, and meat. So I combined a Korean style of rice called bibimbap, a fried egg (used by both cultures), thinly sliced meat (Korean style) seasoned with Mexican spices, sautéed vegetables, topped with cilantro (both cultures) and Mexican cotija cheese. The flavors worked well together and the combination was novel and useful (at least to my pallet). My experimentation and playfulness was rewarded with a tasty meal.
Contextual Thinking
Curiosity/Willingness
The book The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron, encourages weekly activities to engage with. One of the weekly activities is to take your inner artist on a date. The "date" is a two hour block of time spent on my own exploring and experiencing art or creativity. Last week I went to the American Heritage Museum of Innovation in Palo Alto. The museum specializes in American innovation and inventions from 1870 to 1950. The museum was filled with innovation such as the electric toaster, the vacuum cleaner, kitchen appliances, and medical devices. The timeframe of the inventions made me wonder if J. P. Guilford , Mary Meeker, or E. Paul Torrance had any of the items in their homes (either growing up or in their adult lives). Taking my inner artist on date has required me to be willing and curious about art and creativity in my community. I have needed to practice willingness to be on my own in public galleries—not something I have done in the past,
Diagnostic Thinking
Dreaming
Elaborate—But Not Excessively
Embrace Challenge/The Problem
Enjoy and Use Fantasy
Evaluative Thinking
Get Glimpses of the Future
Working at the preschool, I often hear parents wish out loud they could stay and engage with the morning art activities set out for their children. The parents who spend 30 minutes to an hour of their morning interacting with their children and the art activities often say they wish they could have similar experiences at their work. It has been an idea of mine for a while to host an evening at the preschool for adults to have a glass of wine, hors d'oeuvre, and engage with art activities. Providing an opportunity for them to engage with playfulness and creativity seems to be desirable. I have begun imagining what that evening would look like. I've been predicting what the outcome will look like, what the experience would feel like, and dream about the possibilities, and imagine the event as open ended.
Ideational Thinking
In the book The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron, she prescribes taking your inner artist on a date, each week for two hours. I've determined that the weekends will be the typical time to do this since this is when I have most of my unscheduled time. While my weekends have more flexibility, I also have several commitments that need my time as well. To maximize my two hour dates, I spent time ideating a list of things my inner artist might like to do, and how I could best take advantage of my two hour window. Not all the activities I want to do are close by, so travel time was also a factor to consider. My ideation produced options to utilize the travel time as part of the two hour date by incorporating music and podcasts that are not in my current playlist. By defining travel time as a creative time, I can honor the spirt of the two hour date while being mindful of other commitments. Ideating helped me find creative solutions and helped me to be open to novelty and employ strategic thinking.
Imaginative/Intuition
Keep Open to Novelty /Avoid Premature Closure
Let Humor Flow and Use it
Look at it Another Way
Since beginning the masters program in creativity from Buffalo State, I have been taking opportunities to support creative thinking skill with the children at the preschool where I work. Inspired by E. Paul Torrance and various props and pieces of clothing brought in by a colleague, I set up an improve activity for the children. We took turns imaging what a large foam disk may be, what a long piece of fabric might become, or what might be all the ways to use a large black hat. The children had unique, playful, and imaginative ideas. By the looks of their faces, many of them enjoyed acting out their own ideas and seeing their friends act out different ideas.
Make it Swing! Make it Ring
Mindfulness
Leading up to and during my trip to take summer classes at Buffalo State, I took the opportunity to be mindful. I took time to reflect on my feelings, emotions as I engaged with planning my trip, as well as how I was feeling during my trip. The experience was very different than my first summer trip in 2018. This year I feel more a peace, content, proud, and fulfilled as lived in the experience of going to classes, connecting with my cohort, and engaging with Buffalo and Buffalonians. If found being mindful was extremely valuable because it helped produce a holistic experience and gave perspective when situations were uncertain, unknown, or stressful.
Playfulness
Produce and Consider Many Alternatives
Put Your Ideas into Context
While in Buffalo for summer classes, I had the opportunity to build a personal timeline during our Foundations of Creative Learning class. The timeline included major events in my life leading up to the present day, and gave room for projecting into the future. After my timeline was completed, It was impactful to see my life stretched out over a four foot length of paper. What was particularly impactful was seeing the events of my life in sequence, the antecedent and ensuing events that lead up to the present day. The common thread of intentionally connecting with creativity throughout the ups and downs of my personal history was powerful and motivating to my present-day self. One of my cohort shared their observations about my timeline which gave honor an weight to the difficult experiences of my past. Acknowledging these experiences provided a broader and more powerful context for my decision to obtain my masters and the dreams I have for my future.
Sensing Gaps
Sensitivity to Environment
Strategic Thinking
Tactical Thinking
Tolerance for Risks/Courage
The other day I received an email regarding a work related topic. The information in the email was compliance/regulatory related, not really exciting stuff, but important to digest none the less. At the very bottom of the email, the organization who sent me the email listed a "Call for Presenters" for a leadership conference in Southern California. I decided to submit a proposal on the topic of Supporting Creative Thinking in Early Childhood Education. I haven not presented on this topic, and have only once been the lead (or sole) presenter. This is outside of my comfort zone, yet oddly something I feel excited about doing, but it will take courage and tolerance for risk. Submitting a proposal will give me more experience of filling out applications and putting myself out there.
Tolerate Ambiguity
Tolerate Complexity
Visualize Rich and Colorfully
Visualize the Inside
The other day I was confronted by a co-worker who was in an emotionally heightened frame of mind. Words I spoke to them were taken the wrong way and presumably feelings were hurt. During the pursuing exchange I practiced being aware of my emotions; both how his words were affecting me, and how my own thoughts and interpretations of his words were affecting me. It was a good exercise to take the time to be aware of my own emotions before engaging with the words being spoken. Being aware and slower to respond helped me keep a healthy perspective and gave me more options when it came to my own reactions.
Be Flexible
While working with a colleague to develop a one-hour training module, we both had our own ideas of what the content, approach, and learning engagement might look like. As we discussed our ideas, I found that I was not understanding the direction and ideas that my colleague was sharing. Instead of presenting my own ideas again, I decided to ask them to clarify their ideas—to elaborate on their thoughts. I was still not completely understanding their suggestion, however, I decided to release my own control on the process and asked, "Ok, so what will your idea look like?" I choose to be flexible and support their ideas without fully understanding their plan. I took a supporting role and choose to go along with their ideas. Being flexible allowed me to support my colleague with my creativity, ideation, and elaboration skills once I understood what they were proposing.
Be Original
Breakthrough—Expand the Boundaries
Combine and Synthesize
One thing I enjoy doing is exposing myself to different cuisines and ethnic foods. I have a saying that has served me well when it comes to food: "I will try anything twice". Why twice? Because the first time it may not have been prepared well, or it may have been a shock to my pallet. I believe individuals can learn to like foods they originally found to be unappealing, such as kimchi for myself. When I cook at home I will often experiment with combinations of cross cultural ingredients. The other day I was imaging what a combination of Mexican and Korean food might taste like. Both cuisines use rice, chilies, and meat. So I combined a Korean style of rice called bibimbap, a fried egg (used by both cultures), thinly sliced meat (Korean style) seasoned with Mexican spices, sautéed vegetables, topped with cilantro (both cultures) and Mexican cotija cheese. The flavors worked well together and the combination was novel and useful (at least to my pallet). My experimentation and playfulness was rewarded with a tasty meal.
Contextual Thinking
Curiosity/Willingness
The book The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron, encourages weekly activities to engage with. One of the weekly activities is to take your inner artist on a date. The "date" is a two hour block of time spent on my own exploring and experiencing art or creativity. Last week I went to the American Heritage Museum of Innovation in Palo Alto. The museum specializes in American innovation and inventions from 1870 to 1950. The museum was filled with innovation such as the electric toaster, the vacuum cleaner, kitchen appliances, and medical devices. The timeframe of the inventions made me wonder if J. P. Guilford , Mary Meeker, or E. Paul Torrance had any of the items in their homes (either growing up or in their adult lives). Taking my inner artist on date has required me to be willing and curious about art and creativity in my community. I have needed to practice willingness to be on my own in public galleries—not something I have done in the past,
Diagnostic Thinking
Dreaming
Elaborate—But Not Excessively
Embrace Challenge/The Problem
Enjoy and Use Fantasy
Evaluative Thinking
Get Glimpses of the Future
Working at the preschool, I often hear parents wish out loud they could stay and engage with the morning art activities set out for their children. The parents who spend 30 minutes to an hour of their morning interacting with their children and the art activities often say they wish they could have similar experiences at their work. It has been an idea of mine for a while to host an evening at the preschool for adults to have a glass of wine, hors d'oeuvre, and engage with art activities. Providing an opportunity for them to engage with playfulness and creativity seems to be desirable. I have begun imagining what that evening would look like. I've been predicting what the outcome will look like, what the experience would feel like, and dream about the possibilities, and imagine the event as open ended.
Ideational Thinking
In the book The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron, she prescribes taking your inner artist on a date, each week for two hours. I've determined that the weekends will be the typical time to do this since this is when I have most of my unscheduled time. While my weekends have more flexibility, I also have several commitments that need my time as well. To maximize my two hour dates, I spent time ideating a list of things my inner artist might like to do, and how I could best take advantage of my two hour window. Not all the activities I want to do are close by, so travel time was also a factor to consider. My ideation produced options to utilize the travel time as part of the two hour date by incorporating music and podcasts that are not in my current playlist. By defining travel time as a creative time, I can honor the spirt of the two hour date while being mindful of other commitments. Ideating helped me find creative solutions and helped me to be open to novelty and employ strategic thinking.
Imaginative/Intuition
Keep Open to Novelty /Avoid Premature Closure
Let Humor Flow and Use it
Look at it Another Way
Since beginning the masters program in creativity from Buffalo State, I have been taking opportunities to support creative thinking skill with the children at the preschool where I work. Inspired by E. Paul Torrance and various props and pieces of clothing brought in by a colleague, I set up an improve activity for the children. We took turns imaging what a large foam disk may be, what a long piece of fabric might become, or what might be all the ways to use a large black hat. The children had unique, playful, and imaginative ideas. By the looks of their faces, many of them enjoyed acting out their own ideas and seeing their friends act out different ideas.
Make it Swing! Make it Ring
Mindfulness
Leading up to and during my trip to take summer classes at Buffalo State, I took the opportunity to be mindful. I took time to reflect on my feelings, emotions as I engaged with planning my trip, as well as how I was feeling during my trip. The experience was very different than my first summer trip in 2018. This year I feel more a peace, content, proud, and fulfilled as lived in the experience of going to classes, connecting with my cohort, and engaging with Buffalo and Buffalonians. If found being mindful was extremely valuable because it helped produce a holistic experience and gave perspective when situations were uncertain, unknown, or stressful.
Playfulness
Produce and Consider Many Alternatives
Put Your Ideas into Context
While in Buffalo for summer classes, I had the opportunity to build a personal timeline during our Foundations of Creative Learning class. The timeline included major events in my life leading up to the present day, and gave room for projecting into the future. After my timeline was completed, It was impactful to see my life stretched out over a four foot length of paper. What was particularly impactful was seeing the events of my life in sequence, the antecedent and ensuing events that lead up to the present day. The common thread of intentionally connecting with creativity throughout the ups and downs of my personal history was powerful and motivating to my present-day self. One of my cohort shared their observations about my timeline which gave honor an weight to the difficult experiences of my past. Acknowledging these experiences provided a broader and more powerful context for my decision to obtain my masters and the dreams I have for my future.
Sensing Gaps
Sensitivity to Environment
Strategic Thinking
Tactical Thinking
Tolerance for Risks/Courage
The other day I received an email regarding a work related topic. The information in the email was compliance/regulatory related, not really exciting stuff, but important to digest none the less. At the very bottom of the email, the organization who sent me the email listed a "Call for Presenters" for a leadership conference in Southern California. I decided to submit a proposal on the topic of Supporting Creative Thinking in Early Childhood Education. I haven not presented on this topic, and have only once been the lead (or sole) presenter. This is outside of my comfort zone, yet oddly something I feel excited about doing, but it will take courage and tolerance for risk. Submitting a proposal will give me more experience of filling out applications and putting myself out there.
Tolerate Ambiguity
Tolerate Complexity
Visualize Rich and Colorfully
Visualize the Inside
