COMPETITION VERSUS CREATIVITY

Objective

To foster creative ingenuity in the workplace by encouraging employees to think beyond conventional methods of problem-solving, thereby boosting productivity and contributing to nation-building.


Introduction

Competitors follow the crowd; creators chart their own path. A competitive mindset thrives on rivalry and comparison, while a creative mindset thrives on originality and collaboration. Creators innovate, elevate, and transform workplaces, becoming catalysts for sustained excellence and growth.

Practical Exercise

Activity Setup:
Provide a large bucket filled with water, a small bowl, and a cup. Instruct a worker to fill the bowl with water.
Observation Task: Many will instinctively use the cup to transfer water to the bowl. However, encourage them to explore alternative methods:

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  1. Submerge the bowl directly into the bucket.
  2. Lift the bucket and pour water into the bowl.

This exercise highlights the power of creativity in finding efficient solutions. The lesson? Think differently to achieve better results.


Content

What is Competition?

Competition is the relentless pursuit to outperform others, often leading to rivalry, stress, and short-term wins. It can create a toxic work environment where individuals prioritise personal success over team growth.

Reflection Exercise:
Name some games where competition is central:
a. ___________________________________________________
b. ___________________________________________________
c. ___________________________________________________
d. ___________________________________________________
e. ___________________________________________________

Even in competitive environments like football, top players like Pelé, Ronaldo, and Messi succeed because of their creativity. Their ability to innovate sets them apart, even in the most competitive settings.

Creativity: The Game-Changer

Creative workers:

  • Collaborate to achieve collective goals.
  • Seek solutions that benefit everyone.
  • Continuously innovate, keeping their skills relevant and valuable.

Discussion Prompt:
How can you assist colleagues to improve on the job or in their character?
a. ___________________________________________________
b. ___________________________________________________
c. ___________________________________________________
d. ___________________________________________________
e. ___________________________________________________


The Creative Advantage

A creative mindset ensures lasting success:

  • While competitors may win temporarily, creators adapt and thrive in the long run.
  • Helping others succeed enriches the entire workplace.

Reflection Exercise:
What do you do better than others? How can you share or use this to benefit your workplace?
a. ___________________________________________________
b. ___________________________________________________
c. ___________________________________________________
d. ___________________________________________________
e. ___________________________________________________


Key Lessons from Nation-Building

Consider parents who may not achieve extraordinary personal success but dedicate their lives to ensuring their children excel. Similarly, great leaders and creative employees prioritise building others while advancing themselves. This mindset transforms workplaces into thriving ecosystems of collaboration and productivity.

Discussion Prompt:
List creative individuals who have influenced history or your life.
a. ___________________________________________________
b. ___________________________________________________
c. ___________________________________________________


Creative Thinking Activities

Exercise 1: The Solution Generator

Identify a current workplace challenge. Brainstorm at least three unconventional solutions to resolve it:
a. ___________________________________________________
b. ___________________________________________________
c. ___________________________________________________

Exercise 2: Skills Sharing Circle

What skills or knowledge can you teach others to improve team productivity? Share it with a colleague and document the outcomes.

Exercise 3: Innovation Challenge

Form small groups. Each group selects a task they frequently perform and brainstorms three new ways to complete it more efficiently. Present these ideas and vote on the most innovative solution.


Sustaining Creativity

Creative people thrive because:

  • They continuously improve their skills.
  • They innovate instead of imitating.
  • They embrace challenges as opportunities to shine.

Activity:
Identify something you do exceptionally well. Plan a strategy to refine it and share it with your team.





Conclusion

Competition may provide short-term wins, but creativity fosters lasting excellence and workplace harmony. By focusing on innovation, collaboration, and self-improvement, you can elevate yourself, your team, and your organisation to new heights.

Remember, creative minds are the architects of the future. To build a stronger workplace—and a stronger nation—commit to creativity, collaboration, and continuous growth.

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