The Politics of Creativity™: Four Domains for Inquiry and Action by Leaders in R&D

ABSTRACT

Leaders in R&D functions today face increasingly challenging environments in which to foster creativity and promote innovation. While organizational systems and management processes impact productivity, relationships between and among scientists and engineers must be nurtured to sustain competitive advantage. Initiating conversations about organizational dynamics that are otherwise difficult for R&D professionals is a critical task of leaders. This paper, based on practitioner work in the field, identifies four domains of inquiry and action in which focused dialogue and leadership initiative promises more engaged and motivated professionals: (1) pacing productivity; (2) capitalizing on failure; (3) managing connections; and (4) paying the price. As a result of working intentionally in these domains, leaders in R&D make it possible for their organizations to work explicitly with the 'Politics of Creativity™' in a way that encourages trust and fosters more creativity.