Breaking Boundaries: What Retreats Teach Us About Creative Thinking
People can often be labeled as creative thinkers or critical thinkers. But the reality isn’t just one way or the other—we can cultivate both aspects. Creative thinking and critical thinking go hand in hand. And creativity is more than just an artsy buzzword; it’s a crucial component for success in today’s business environment. At Nova Leadership, we believe that encouraging creativity has individual and organizational benefits. Here’s what we’ve learned about the power of creative thinking for leaders.
Why Creativity Matters
Creativity is often cited as one of the top characteristics for successful leaders. Recently published data reinforces how big a role creativity can play in the workplace:
90% of business leaders consider creativity essential for staying competitive in the market.
Creativity is linked to 9 out of the 10 top skills that employers seek.
94% of hiring managers recognize creativity as a key quality when selecting job candidates. (The ability to think outside the box is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have!)
80% of people surveyed believe that creativity is critical to economic growth
Everyone can be creative. But to unlock that creativity, we often need to step outside our usual surroundings. Seek new experiences, new people, and new perspectives.
Finding Fresh Perspectives
If you’ve experienced one of our Women’s Leadership Retreats, then you know what we’re talking about when we highlight the value of breaking away from our normal routine. New people, new environments and new experiences help us find inspiration that we didn’t know existed. Talk about untapped potential!
Read more about how distance can bring a new perspective in an earlier Nova blog post.
Inspiration Is All Around: We Just Have to Look
Touring the Accademia in Florence, one of our retreat guests shared an idea that really stood out to us. Michelangelo spoke about using his hands and tools to uncover the art and the very essence of the marble he sculpted. He even referred to this as revealing the “angel” in the stone. Similarly, our own creativity is often hidden beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment and the right tools to emerge. We talk to our clients about the importance of quiet time, of letting things emerge. You’ll often hear us say that “miracles happen in the white space.” Taking the time to reflect, to explore, and to practice quiet introspection can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.
Nurturing Your Creativity
We believe everyone has creativity—and that it shows up differently for everyone. We leverage the Nova Inquiry and Insights process to help participants explore new perspectives and unlock their potential. We’ve had women leverage this process to create business and personal breakthroughs that can only happen in a supportive, dynamic and caring environment. Just last week, one of our former retreat guests shared that she is looking at the next chapter in her life through a whole new lens, given the work she did in Italy last fall.
Building Community + Boosting Creativity
Our retreats are not just for your own development. They are about creating a strong, supportive community. Our goal is to provide a safe space where women can explore, grow and learn together. We structure our retreats to be a place of collaboration, inspiration, and shared experiences. The US Chamber of Commerce provides several benefits to attending a retreat including the ideas that:
Feeling connected and supported helps spark creativity when you are outside of your normal work environment.
People sharing ideas and hearing different perspectives can encourage solving problems better and sparking fresh solutions.
Executive Development: Breaking Boundaries & Unlocking Creativity
Breaking boundaries in creative thinking means stepping out of our comfort zones, connecting with others, and exploring new ideas. At Nova Leadership, we create a space where creativity can flourish, helping leaders build confidence, find their voice, and unlock their creative potential. Join us in Italy next fall. And if travel’s not on your 2025 agenda, talk to us today about 1:1 Executive Coaching. Let’s access your untapped creativity!