Critical thinking, core to imagination, a business essential
The need for arts-based skills, to foster a curious and engaged workplace, is increasingly coming under the spotlight in businesses. Like the critical thinking skills that can be developed through imagination. To feed that often inbuilt desire to know more, to be curious, to ask ‘is there a better way’. To challenge ‘how we’ve always done things’.
Imagination Session® makes those skills more accessible for everyone. And they are skills much needed in business, according to Richard Shaw, Massey University professor of politics.
In an article in The Conversation, he quoted Lyn Cobley, CEO of Westpac Institutional Bank, as saying, “We’re not focusing as much on the traditional skillset that we once thought was necessary in banking - financial modelling, accounting, commerce - but rather we’re looking for people who display diversity of thought, critical thinking skills, cultural awareness, communication and collaboration skills.”
Similarly, Massey quoted Robert May, chief scientific advisor to the British government as saying, “I think many of the major problems facing society are outside the realm of science and mathematics.. It’s the behavioural sciences that are the ones we are going to have to depend on to save us.”
Massey notes, “workplace-specific skills can be taught on the job. But that’s a lot easier to do when you’re working with curious people possessed of good, nimble minds - the kind of minds fostered in the arts disciplines.”
I like the idea that we can share skills across disciplines, that those not yet gifted in imagination and critical thinking can hone their craft and become more versatile and stronger contributors. Imagination, and its ability to help us ‘see’ multiple possibilities, also arms us with the skill of becoming more adaptable. We all need that skill, to be empowered to shape our futures.
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Dawn Adams offers a coaching program to help leaders develop the skill of imagination. An industry fellow at Griffith University, she also offers experiential workshops to boost imagination and lay the foundations for critical thinking, creativity and innovation.
More details available via DM or dawn@imaginationsession.com
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