Creativity and Character

More and more employers are seeking workers who think outside the box. They desire creative people who can lead the charge in the innovation of new products and services, and who can envision solutions to difficult situations. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology suggests that these persons are also more likely to cheat. The article suggests that this creativity extends itself to the justification of dishonest behavior.

There is much to be said about studies, their limitations and their biases in the collection and analysis of data. There is also much to be said about learning from life experiences and observations. Perhaps the creative mind can concoct more believable fibs than the less flexible mind! Notwithstanding, all dishonest action is a choice made by the individual, whether creative or not.

Psychologist Viktor Frankl said it best “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response.” The strength of your moral character will determine whether you choose honesty or deception. That choice is not determined by your level of creativity. I am confident that readers of this blog are both creative and of good character!

To Your Unlimited Possibilities!